Editing Monk and Zealot (section)

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
Monk render.jpg
Zealot render.png
RoE_1.0_CD-Heroes3-DATA-HEROES3_SND-G3A-smk-GOOD3A.webm|thumbtime=0:01| Zealots in a cathedral<br>([[Safe Passage]]{{-wr}} prologue)
</gallery>

{{Fanopinion|
Their stats are very low for a level 5, but they are indispensable due to their ranged attack. However, it's only enough for the enemy to strike this unit a few times and it's dead (even if they have no melee penalty with upgrade), so they should be well protected if they are to still deal some damage and survive harder battles. Their stats are also almost the same as the level 4 [[Arch mage|Arch magi]], and their specialties weaker for the same cost and lower growth.

12 [[Attack]] is on the low side for level 5 unit. 7/10 [[Defense]] is the lowest in their tier. 30 [[Health]] is also lowest in their tier. 10-12 [[Damage]] is low, but acceptable for a ranged unit. [[Speed]] of 5-7 is low to average, but considering their fragility, it might not be enough to guarantee they will live long enough to do anything. They are quite underwhelming troops, as unlike [[Marksman|Marksmen]] they don't make up for their vulnerability with powerful attack.

As their damage spread is very low, [[Bless]] and [[Curse]] have almost no effect on them, changing their average damage from 11 to respectively 12 and 10. Advanced spells don't fare much better, causing Monks and Zealots to deal 13 and 9 points of damage. Spells affecting [[Attack]] might be better, like [[Precision]] or [[Weakness]].

While some spells might make a difference for them, remember that they only have 30 [[Health]] and so if they are hit by a strong stack, they are dead, buffs or no buffs. Think twice before casting powerful spells on Monks or Zealots, as if they die before making use of it, you have only wasted [[spell point|spell points]] for no gain.

Best protective spells for these troops might very well be [[Anti-magic]] and [[Force Field]], as their low health makes prevention of taking any damage more important than its reduction.

[[Direct damage spell|Direct damage spells]] are very effective on them, as 30 health paired with ranged damage means high kill priority. Disabling them with [[mind spell|mind spells]] is another option, as they have no immunities and other stacks may need to be dealt with first.

In [[Castle]] army, Monks and Zealots both are like improved but overcosted [[Archers]] - incredibly fragile ranged troops that aren't really compensating for their weak defenses in any way. Keep them away from melee; despite no melee penalty they are no match for their own 5th or even some of 4th level troops in equal numbers. They can be easily overwhelmed and crushed even by lower level troops, exploiting their low health and not-so-good damage. Beware of [[dragon|dragons]], AoE spells and multi-hex attacks.

Being fragile ranged troops, they benefit the most from [[Archery]], [[Tactics]] and [[Armorer]]. [[Orrin]] is the best hero thanks to his specialty, provided they are not dead by their turn and are able to shoot. [[Valeska]] is another decent starting hero thanks to Archery.

===={{hota}}====

The Horn of the Abyss expansion changes the situation of Zealot, as it adds a button that allows you to change the attack mode. At 7 speed, Zealots move faster than most low-level units, which allows you to wait for the opponent to come within range, and choose whether you want to strike in close combat without penalty or shoot from a distance. Skillful control of the Zealot allows you to avoid the enemy's retaliation. This works especially well when fighting against wandering creatures on the adventure map, as the AI often divides its army into many stacks. 

Ingham, the Zealot combat skills specialist is a [[cleric]] that starts with the [[mysticism]] skill, which allows him to regenerate mana faster. Playing as this hero, if you develop magic skills, you can cast powerful spells such as: [[slow]], [[blind]], [[resurrection]], [[prayer]], and [[fly]], all on expert level. Smart usage of these spells, and the attack mode switch, allow you to win a game against the AI with only Zealots.
}}<!-- end of fan opinion -->

{{creature 'see also'}}
* [[Comparison of Level 5 Creatures]]
* [[Comparison of Ranged Creatures]]

[[Category: Creatures]]
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