For International Ragnarok Online
By WoodenLeg_10
Email: 
Players:  Skygor Priest lvl 81 full support BSSer on Loki
          Lapu Merchant lvl 47 battle smith on Loki
          Skygor III Archer lvl 52 pre full ensemble bard on Loki

     "Ora et Labora"
          --monastic and seminarian motto

Table of Contents
-------------------
 1.  Introduction
     A.  Purpose
     A.  Jargon
 2.  Basic Stuff
     A.  What It Does
     B.  How to Get It
 3.  How to Perform
     A.  Basic Rules
     B.  Line up Examples
 4.  Defensive Use
     A.  Analysis
     B.  Elemental Attacks
     C.  Basic Elemental Attacks
     D.  Status Conditions
 5.  Offensive Use
     A.  Basics
     B.  Advantages
 6.  Player Vs. Player
 7.  BSS Parties
 8.  Conclusion
 9.  Version History
10.  Legal Junk


=============================================================================
1.  Introduction -- 1.A Purpose
=============================================================================
Benedictio Sanctissimi Sacramenti, i.e. benediction of the most Blessed
Sacrament) is the least known and most complex to perform skill in Ragnarok
Online.  Every player should read the "What it Does" part and every acolyte and
priest should read the "How to Perform" part, also if possible READ THE ENTIRE
GUIDE.  It makes a good resource on elemental attacks and their mechanics.  Be
forewarned that B.S. Sacramenti is a skill most likely designed for party and
cooperative excursions.  Those who solo a lot or want skills that allow total
domination of a situation may be disappointed.  If you still don't like what
you're hearing keep reading so at least you have something to make fun of
latter.

------------
1.B Jargon
------------
Here is some basic jargon used in this guide.

Jargon:  special vocabulary for a given field
BSS:  Benedictio Sanctissimi Sacramenti
BSSer:  A priest who casts B.S. Sacramenti
ME:  Magnus Exorcismus
MEer:  A priest who can cast Magnus Exorcismus
iRO:  International Ragnarok Online
PvP:  Player versus player situations (includes War of the Emperium)
SP:  Skill points
Bomb: refers to force casting a spell, e.g. Healing, on a monster to damage it
Shadow is also called Dark.
Ghost is also called Sense or Spirit(ual).
Ghost is _not_ the same as No Form.
For simplicity I will use a male voice when referring to classes.

=============================================================================
2.  Basic Stuff -- 2.A What It Does
=============================================================================

   *********************************************************************
   *             EVERY PLAYER SHOULD READ THIS SECTION!!!              *
   *********************************************************************

SP Consumption:  40SP total = 20(BSSer) + 10(Helper) + 10(Helper)
Target:  Ground
Duration:  skill_level * 40 seconds
Damage: (base_level + (int/8))*(skill_lvl*8+4)
Description:  The ground of the cell targeted and the nine adjacent cells around
it are infused with a holy property.  Players in that area have their armors
enchanted with the holy property; while Undead race, Demon race, and Ghost
element monsters receive damage in a splashing fashion.

X:  where BSS is cast.
O:  cells that are also affected.
.:  unaffected cells.

.......
..OOO..
..OXO..
..OOO..
.......

-------------------
2.B How to Get It
-------------------
Only a priest may get BSS, and here is the skill outline leading up to it.  The
fractions by the skill names indication the level required to move up the tree
over the maximum skill level for it.

B.S. Sacramenti (1/5)
   Aspersio (5/5)
      Aqua Benidicta* (1/1)
      Imposito Manus (3/5)
   Gloria (3/5)
      Magnificat (3/5)
      Kyrie Eleison (4/10)
         Angelus* (2/10)
            Divine Protection* (3/10)

*Acolyte Skills


=============================================================================
3.  How to Perform It -- 3.A Basic Rules
=============================================================================

   **********************************************************************
   *   EVERY ACOLYTE AND PREIST WHO PLAYS SHOULD READ THIS SECTION!!!   *
   **********************************************************************

In order to perform BSS the BSSer needs help from two other acolytes or priests.
All they have to do is line up with these stipulations:

     1.  They are directly adjacent to the BSSer.
     2.  They form a horizontal i.e. left-right line with the BSSer
            when the camera angle (Double Right Click) is normal.
     3.  The BSSer is in the middle.

These are factors that DO NOT matter when performing BSS:

     Party Association:  The helpers do not have to be in the same party as the
        BSSer regardless of the in game description.

     Target Party Associations:  BSS like Sanctuary and Safety Wall target the
        ground.  Any player who is in the nine cell splash area will receive its
        effects.

     Unity of Helper Class:  Any combination of acolytes or priests may aid in
        casting BSS.

     Resting Of the Helpers:  It does not matter if the helper is sitting or
        standing to aid in BSS.

     Consciousness of the Helpers:  Even if the helpers have zero HP they still
        can assist with BSS, so long as they can form a valid positioning.

     Skills of the Helpers:  The helper acolytes or priests do not have to know
        BSS or any other skill to aid in its performance.

----------------------
3.B Line Up Examples
----------------------
Even though the previous section is a thorough description here are some
diagrams of proper and improper line-ups for BSS with comments.  Several cases
are given so that the BSSer and helpers had a clear idea of what is required.

X:  B.S. Sacramenti Priest
A:  an acolyte
P:  a priest
O:  any other class
 :  empty space


Line Up |Type    |Comments and Corrections (if needed)
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
        |        |The BSSer is in the middle and the other priests are right
  PXP   |  Good  |next to the BSSer horizontally.
        |        |
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
        |        |The BSSer is in the middle and the other acolytes are right
  AXA   |  Good  |next to the BSSer horizontally.
        |        |
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
        |        |The BSSer is in the middle and the helpers are adjacent and
  AXP   |  Good  |horizontal.  It does not matter that the helpers are mixed
        |        |classes.
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
        |        |Basically this is the reverse of the previous line up.
  PXA   |  Good  |
        |        |
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
        |        |The BSSer is in the middle, but the right helper is one
  PX P  |  Bad   |cell too far.  If he moves over to the left one cell it
        |        |will be a good line up.
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
        |        |Although the priests are lined up the BSSer is not in the
  PPX   |  Bad   |middle.  If the left most priest moves to the BSSer's right
        |        |side it will be a good line up.
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
   P    |        |Although the priests are in a row with the BSSer in the
   X    |  Bad   |middle, it is a vertical line.  The helpers should move to
   P    |        |the BSSer's right and left side for a good line up.
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
  P     |        |This is like the previous case up on a diagonal.  BSS only
   X    |  Bad   |works with a horizontal line.  The other priests should
    P   |        |move up and down respectively.
--------+--------+-----------------------------------------------------------
        |        |In this case another class is blocking the priest line up.
  PXOP  |  Bad   |The other class should move away and the left priest should
        |        |close the gap.


=============================================================================
4.  Defensive Use -- 4.A Analysis
=============================================================================
The main use of BSS is for Holy armor.  Like all other elemental aspects Holy
armor can increase or decrease the effect of another attack.  Since the player's
armor is Holy, they in a sense act like a monster of a Holy property.  Here is a
chart that displays only attacks on holy monsters derived from charts on the
official iRO website.

lvl|Normal|Water|Earth|Fire|Wind|Poison|Holy|Shadow|Ghost|Undead
---+------+-----+-----+----+----+------+----+------+-----+-------
 1 | 100  | 75  | 75  | 75 | 75 |  75  |  0 |  125 | 75  |100
 2 | 100  | 50  | 50  | 50 | 50 |  50  |-25 |  150 | 50  |125
 3 | 100  | 25  | 25  | 25 | 25 |  25  |-50 |  175 | 25  |150
 4 | 100  |  0  |  0  |  0 |  0 |   0  |-100|  200 |  0  |175

Now on examination of the chart in general the Holy property does four things.
It does nothing with Normal attacks.  It grants perfect blocks or healing from
Holy attacks.  It increases damages from Shadow and Undead attacks, and some
protection from everything else.  Now the question is how do players receive
elemental attacks.

----------------------
4.B Elemental Skills
----------------------
The first source of elemental attacks which everyone should know already are
from skills that players and monsters.  For simplification and reference here is
a list of skills with elemental associations.

Name               | Element
-------------------+--------
Aspersio+          |Holy*
Blast Mine         |Fire
Claymore Trap      |Fire
Cold Bolt          |Water
Earth Spike        |Earth
Enchant Poison+    |Poison
Envenom            |Poison
Fire Ball          |Fire
Fire Bolt          |Fire
Fire Wall          |Fire
Fire Pillar        |Fire
Freezing Trap      |Water
Frost Driver       |Water
Frost Nova         |Water
Heaven's Drive     |Earth
Holy Light         |Holy*
Jupiter Thunder    |Wind
Land Mine          |Earth
Lightning Bolt     |Wind
Lord of Vermillion |Wind
Magnum Break       |Fire
Meteor Storm       |Fire
Napalm Beat        |Ghost
Poison React       |Poison
Ruwach (?)         |Holy*
Sightrasher        |Fire
Sand Attack        |Earth
Soul Strike        |Ghost
Stone Curse        |Earth
Storm Gust         |Water
Thunder Storm      |Wind
Venom Dust         |Poison
Venom Splasher     |Poison
Water Ball         |Water

+ enchants weapon with element
* Attacks that do Holy damage but require casting only on undead/demon monsters
     have been excluded to simplify things.

-----------------------------
4.C Basic Elemental Attacks
-----------------------------
The other main source of elemental attacks is from basic physical attacks from
players _and_ monsters.  Getting an elemental attack from a player is simple.
Have a specially forged weapon with an enchanted stone or have a weapon with a
specific elemental association.  E.g. Lapu's Fire Claymore or the cursed Shadow
dagger Grimtooth.

Monster do not carry weapons so their basic attacks are of a Normal attribute
however, _ALL MONSTERS CAN USE A GENERIC ELEMENTAL ATTACK OF THEIR OWN
ATTRIBUTE_.  These basic elemental attacks are displayed by a little graphic and
special sound effect when they connect it with a player.  Here is a chart of
each graphic:

Attack |Color        |Resembles          |Skill That Shows It
-------+-------------+-------------------+---------------------
Water  |light blue   |puff of mist       |Frost Driver
Earth  |yellow-green |puff of dust       |NA
Fire   |red-orange   |explosion fire     |Fire Bolt
Wind   |white        |splash of lighting |Lighting Bolt
Poison |blue-violet  |splash of liquid   |NA
Holy   |white        |Latin cross        |Turn Undead
Shadow |black        |comets             |NA
Ghost  |dark violet  |a player's shape   |NA
Undead |dark blue    |a player's shape   |NA

These attacks deal more damage than normal ones, but thankfully are not
performed often.  Even so 25% off from their attacks that are usually double
normal damage is a blessing.  When confronted with Shadow or Undead monsters it
is better to use BSS offensively to kill them before they get a chance to use
their more damaging basic elemental attack.  See "Offensive Use".

Seeing how the graphics of basic elemental attacks are short, they are difficult
to see if you are not looking.  The best way to show them is to have a high
vitality low flee character mob the monsters on themselves.  By the law of
averages a lot more monsters attacking will more likely show that elemental
attack often enough so that it becomes clear.  If this is still to difficult go
to www.geocities.com/dpgorski/element.html for screen shots of them.

-----------------------
4.D Status Conditions
-----------------------
One final observation for defensive BSS usage is it grants protection from some
status conditions.  It has been observed in combat with characters that are
always frozen by Frost Driver, whether hunting for Freezers or PvP'ing, will
never freeze up when enchanted by BSS.  It just appears to work that way and
until Gravity let's in on the possible game mechanic we will never know.

It is speculated that BSS prevents freezing from Frost Driver since it reduces
the damage from it.  Since the chance of a target being frozen is reduced by its
magical defense, and if that is indirectly measured by damage received from the
Frost Driver.  Then BSS protects against freezing because it at least reduces
water damage by 25%, which could be enough to reduce the success rate of
freezing to a minimum chance.

Thus far freezing from Frost Driver is the only observed status condition
(indirectly) protected by BSS.  Following the same logic BSS might also grant
some protection from Stone Curse, but this has yet to be observed let alone
tested.  As for Storm Gust it does not grant protection for being hit by it
three times seems to be a special case of directly modifying a character's
condition.


=============================================================================
5.  Offensive Use -- 5.A Basics
=============================================================================
Now for the fun stuff!  Like most priest skills BSS can be used offensively on
Undead monsters.  However BSS goes a bit further because it is effective on
monsters of the Undead race, Demon race, and Ghost element.  (Ghost element is
confirmed since it works on Whipsers but not Reydrics.)  If any of those types
of monsters are within the splash area of where BSS is cast, they will be
damaged.  Conveniently the damage done by BSS follows the exact same rules as
Healing, so here are the formulas:

Damage = (base_lvl + (int/8))*(bss_lvl*8+4)
Undead or Demon or Ghost 1 gets 67.5%
Undead or Demon or Ghost 2 gets 75%
Undead or Demon or Ghost 3 gets 100%
Undead or Demon or Ghost 4 gets 100%

----------------
5.B Advantages
----------------
It is difficult to see the advantages of offensive BSS when compared with other
skills such as Healing and ME--though no skill really compares with ME's damage.
However with a good team, BSS can be just as or even more effective than either.

It's Cheap
------------
The total SP consumption for BSS is forty, which is the same as a level ten
Healing.  However the SP use is distributed over the helpers.  Therefore instead
of wasting all one's individual SP on a few Heal bombs, the BSSer's can cast
four times as many BSS for the same SP.

It's Fast
----------
There are three basic ways BSS is superior speed wise.  First the cast time is
instant regardless of dexterity, no green countdown bar to worry about.  Second
the cast delay, i.e. time after the spell is cast before another one can be
done, is also instant so it can be blasted immediately after.  Finally since BSS
targets the ground there is no messy Shift holding or "/noshift" commands to do
a force cast.  It just works automatically.  With these traits a good BSS team
can form rank and start blasting away, while others are waiting for ME to load
up, having those annoying half-second delays between Heal Bombs, or accidentally
healing other monsters.

It's Splashy
--------------
BSS splashes the area in which is its cast upon, so whatever susceptible
monsters are in that nine cell space will get burned.  This is how BSS
outperforms Heal Bombs if you are dealing with a full support priest team.
Although BSS will take twice as much SP as a Heal Bomb--because its maximum
level is five and not ten like Healing--it can deal that much damage on several
monsters for the same amount.

E.g. Let's say a level ten Heal Bomb kills one monster, so two level five BSS
Bombs are needed to kill the same monster.  Now it with Heal Bombs it will take
40*9 = 360 SP to kill nine of those monsters, while it will take 2*40 = 80 SP
with two BSS Bombs if they are lumped together.  Also remember that the BSS
Bombs priests lose either 20 or 40 SP instead of one being drained of 360 SP.

It Saves Your Behind
----------------------
In emergencies BSS is good mob control if there are no Wizards or MEer's in the
area.  If other priests know of BSS or how to make a line up, a BSSer can
eliminate the threat quickly by means of the aforementioned qualities.


=============================================================================
6.  Player Vs. Player
=============================================================================
Now for what could be the most practical BSS usage.  For all the given
advantages from the Defensive section, everyone in the BSSer's party should have
have it on.  There are no adverse side effects from having Holy armor that
people specifically plan for.  25% off practically every easily accessible
element is a good thing, considering that wizards _elemental_ spells are the
most common means of wiping out people.  In addition to basic defense there are
two tricks that make BSS very useful in these situations.

Perfect Block Trick
---------------------
Remember from the elemental damage chart that a Holy attack on a Holy creature
results in a perfect block.  Also in a BSSer's repertoire is a level five
Aspersio, which will make weapons Holy for three minutes.  Putting the two
skills together by casting BSS on your friends and Aspersio on your enemies
results in perfect blocks from physical attacks for as long as BSS lasts.

Of course this trick can be fixed by changing a weapon, but this uses precious
seconds for others to remove and reequip their weapons, allowing your back to
come in a kick their behinds.  Depending on the circumstance Aspersio can be
cast again to set up the perfect blocks again and possibly just convince the
character to remain bare fisted.  This technique really hurts archers/hunters in
particular since changing arrows won't help--more seconds wasted--and that
cannot go bare fisted effectively since they have little strength.  Sadly this
trick cannot work outside PvP since monsters do not carry weapons.

Be Evil Trick
---------------
If there is one thing that people remember about BSS is the flaw of receiving
more damage from Shadow and Undead attacks with Holy armor.  So why not use that
to your advantage?  With this trick cast BSS on the enemy and then let backup
players use Shadow and Undead weapons to deal an extra 25% damage.  Keep in mind
though that BSS is splashy so that if you target one character another may
receive it also by accident.  In that case use the defensive loophole.

With the exception of super rare items Shadow and Undead weapons are relatively
cheap since they are useful only on two year long monsters, Cookies and
Angelrings.  Here is a list of Shadow and Undead weapons and were to get them if
you cannot afford to get them:

Name                       |Type     |Element| Location
---------------------------+---------+-------+------------
Assassin Dagger*           |Dagger   |Shadow |Osirus
Bone Wand                  |Wand     |Undead |Dark Lord, Evil Druid, Wind Ghost
Book of Revelations        |Book     |Shadow |Rideword
Executioner                |2h Sword |Shadow |Quest
Mysteltan                  |Sword    |Shadow |Quest
Longinus's Spear*          |2h Spear |Shadow |?
Sabbath*                   |2h Axe   |Shadow |?
Arrow of Shadow            |Arrow    |Shadow |Wild Rose, Arrow Crafting
Sharpened Legbone of Ghoul |Katar    |Undead |Ghoul, Zombie Master
Talefing*                  |Sword    |Shadow |Quest

* These weapons are _thought_ to not be implemented.  They just might be just
  very rare.


=============================================================================
7.  BSS Parties
=============================================================================
A BSS party is just a normal party except that is will intentional use BSS as
part of its techniques.  Although it is not typical for areas that are difficult
but easy to master, e.g. Glast Hiem, a BSS party can present a different
advantage in those and newer areas, e.g. Turtle Island, which actually requires
a large party.

Recruitment
-------------
The hardest thing in a BSS party--besides explaining what BSS is, though this
guide might have helped by now--is actually forming it.  It seems that people
cannot understand the concept of a priest needing another priest for a party.
The easiest way is just to have other priest friends to help you along.  However
if this is not the case--since most priests avoid each other like the plague
when partying--the best course is to have (several) friend(s) of another class
search for a priest.  The usual methods involve going to a place full of people,
e.g. Prontera, and opening a chat room with the title describing the desire.  It
is desirable to have two other priests in the party, but depending on the area,
a BSS party can be formed with only one other priest.

Practice
----------
After getting the other priests there must be a discussion on how to form ranks
for BSS.  Before going to any area go over several times on _how_ BSS is
performed, and what method will be used to _form_ that rank.

Come to Me Method
-------------------
This is a simple method to from rank in which the BSSer holds a spot and then
helper priests go to the BSSer.  Other pre-defined signs and methods can be used
to help coordinate the casting.  E.g. the BSSer goes to a clear area before a
call for helpers is made. E.g. use a special sign to signal the call instead of
words, so that there is no confusion.

Chain Me Method
------------------
This method to form rank is a play on Follow-the-Leader.  Basically an order is
given to the priests with the BSSer always as number two.  When rank is called
priest number one goes to a spot.  Priest number two, the BSSer, goes next to
the priest number one.  Finally priest number three goes to priest number two.
The idea is to simply forming rank by only worrying about lining up with one
other priest.  This is ideal with a battle priest, for the other two can just
follow him as he fights.

Sliding
------------------
This is a technique of sliding a BSS line up to the left or right while still
holding rank.  First with a proper rank the BSSer moves to the open side of a
helper priest.  This is then followed immediately by the helper priest not
currently adjacent to the BSSer moving to form rank again.  If needed repeat
this process and with several iterations to slide the lineup left and right as
needed.  Here is of a line up sliding right twice with priest 1, 3, and X where
X is the BSSer:

.1X3.....  becomes

.1.3X....  becomes

...3X1...  becomes

...3.1X..  becomes

.....1X3.

There are two main reasons to do this.  First is to move the line up for the
simple reason of moving it without breaking rank.  Second is to gather the
undead monsters to one side of the rank.  That way they are all clumped together
and not waste BSS splash area.

Use the Sit/Stand Command
---------------------------
Remember when performing BSS it does not matter if a helper is standing or
sitting.  Take advantage of the fact that a sitting player cannot move.  By
sitting down, the rank formation is strong since there are less people to walk
of and break it.  Get into place then sit to signify that if will be held.

HOLD RANK
------------
Like in any melee style army battle--watch Braveheart--holding rank is the key,
especially with offensive mob control BSS.  Break rank and there will not be any
BSS and the zombies eat your remains.  Any fighter helper class in the party
should already know to remove non-Undead/Demon/Ghost monsters (like Hunter
Flies), and there are at least _two other priests_ in the party that can still
support members.  No one should have to die.  Just because they have to stand
still doesn't mean they have to forget how to support.  In fact it should
simplify things since they have only one perspective to aim.  They either can or
cannot.

Rotate the Camera
-------------------
Yes, standing side by side does make the HP bars of the priests run together and
hard to distinguish their individual levels.  To fix this just rotate the camera
a little after rank is formed.  Just right click and drag a bit so they all can
be seen.  Since the helper priests aren't going anywhere that angle of the
camera should not matter.  When the battle is over, just double right click
quickly to return it to normal.

Use Slotted Hoods
-------------------
Many of the robe cards grant 20% protection against some element.  Combine these
with the normal BSS 25% off for a total of 48% elemental protection of your
choice.  (This is based the statistics on iRO Multicalc, another excellent site.
Thanks again!)  This is a more robust and cheaper way to boost defensives
instead of buying an expensive "change armor to element" card.

E.g. Let's say a player needs good Wind defense.  Going the normal route he
would need a Dobeki card to make armor Wind type and a Silver Robe to put it in
for general usage.  Currently Dobeki cards are 1Mz or more and slotted Silver
Robes are 10k (underestimate) totaling to 1.01Mz.  The BSS way would require a
Dustiness card at 150kz and a slotted Hood at 50kz (overestimate) totaling
200kz.  Now with Wind armor 75% of Wind attacks are blocked and with BSS and a
hood 48% are blocked.  This is not as good but is useful nonetheless considering
the price paid, 13466z versus 3125z per percent blocked.  A BSS priest can get
equipment to block 48% of five different elements or people for the same price
of block 75% of one element for one person!  Also they get the other 25% off
most elements bonuses and no additional weaknesses to commonly used elements.

BSSer == Wizard or MEer
-------------------------
In general and especially when rank is formed the BSSer is to be considered as
an offensive wizard or MEer.  If he dies then party dies because all
Undead/Demon/Ghost monsters will mob.  He is to be protected and kept alive as
any other mob controller.  (Although as a mob controlled he may be subjected to
death several times.)

Leeching BSS
--------------
Since party association does not matter in casting BSS, it is possible to leech
it from other priests.  In such cases it is best to use the Chain Method to form
rank, with the leeched priest as number one.  Of course common courtesy requires
that you ask before leeching.

(Yet I cannot help but remember that _no body_ knows about this skill.  I can
see its uses in emergencies with uncontrolled mobs, and also in proselytizing
about BSS.  E.g. Stranger:  What the hell was that?  BSSer:  That was BSS.
Stranger:  What does that do?  BSSer:  It's a very useful skill.  First it etc.)


=============================================================================
8.  Conclusion
=============================================================================
Didn't think so much could be written on one skill?  Hopefully by reading this
you understand BSS and its advantages better.  Although BSS will still likely
remain an uncommon skill because of its complexity, at least you can be one of
the persons to make it successful for them.  Hopefully with new updates to iRO
players will realize that more priests are needed in parties to support and
therefore more chances to use BSS.  Until then spread the word!


=============================================================================
9.  Version History
=============================================================================
Most Recent Patch:  War of the Emperium
1.00  02/03/04 First version of the guide.
1.01  03/22/04 Removed Higher level basic elemental attack, modified status
protection sections, corrected hood protection statistics.


=============================================================================
10.  Legal Junk
=============================================================================
This Guide is COPYRIGHT 2003 David Paul Gorski a.k.a. Skygor.  It may be
distributed and posted on web sites as long as the following are held:  it
remains unchanged, I receive credit for the guide, it is not sold for profit, it
is not posted on sites that condone iRO hacks, bots, etc., it not is not
directly linked to GameFAQs.  In basic simple terms, don't be jerks or
plagiarists.