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[[File:Aldkin-full-body-2.png|alt=Aldkin Mercenary|right|frameless|170xpx]]
'''Aldkin''' is a spell-focused [[Mercenary]] with a dual nature. Aldkin was born part-human part-demonic as a result of the first Khazra within the [[Dark Citadel|Citadel]] performing dark rituals on his mother. Outwardly calm and soft-spoken, he hides a demonic heritage that manifests through sudden bursts of power. In battle, he shifts between controlled spellcasting and violent transformation, applying elemental pressure, curses, and [[Damage Over Time]] effects.

Aldkin becomes available after completing his acquisition quest, '''Whispers of the Firstborn''', which appears when you first reach the Den during the '''Thrust into the Dark''' quest.


== What Aldkin Does Well ==
Aldkin excels at spreading elemental damage and applying steady pressure over time. His strengths include:

* Alternating between human and demon form that appears during peak moments, delivering heavier bursts.
* Applying <span class="shadow">Shadow</span>, <span class="fire">Fire</span>, and Curse effects depending on his skill choices.
* Softening enemy packs with [[Damage over Time]] and amplification effects.
* Offering strong area control compared to other Mercenaries.

He is the least direct of the four Mercenaries, but also the most versatile. Unlike Raheir's frontline focus or Varyana's momentum-based melee, Aldkin contributes through spell layering and attrition, supporting any build that wants extra damage ticking in the background.


== Unlocking Aldkin ==
* Complete the quest '''Whispers of the Firstborn''' in the Den in Nahantu <small>([https://www.purediablo.com/diablo4/map/?markerId=marker_1728070768324 Map)]</small>. 
* This quest becomes available when you first arrive during '''Thrust into the Dark'''.  
* Once completed, Aldkin can be hired as a Primary Mercenary or assigned as a [[Mercenaries#Reinforcement_Mercenaries|Reinforcement]].

Aldkin becomes available account-wide on the same realm after unlocking.


[[File:Aldkins-skill-tree2.jpg|alt=Aldkin Skill Trees|right|frameless|350xpx]]
== Aldkin’s Skills ==
Aldkin’s skill tree focuses on alternating phases of power, combining elemental damage with debuffs and demonic surges. His abilities fall into three core themes:

'''Elemental Pressure'''
* Fire and Shadow spells that cover ground and apply persistent damage.
* Area attacks that soften packs before you engage.

'''Demonic Transformation'''
* Temporary shifts into his demon form that unleash heavier, more direct damage.
* Burst windows that coincide with high-density fights.

'''Curses and Amplification'''
* Debuffs that make enemies take increased damage.
* Utility effects that help control the battlefield.

His two skill branches let you lean either into Fire/Shadow hybrid DOT or more frequent demonic surges. You can respec freely at any time from the Mercenary menu.


{| class="skillfeatures" style="width:100%;"
|-
|{{:Blasphemous Fate}}
|}


From there, two skill trees are available to choose from. You can respec for free at any time by right clicking on a skill to remove the point.

===Haunt Skill Tree===

{| class="skillfeatures" style="width:100%;"
|-
|{{:Haunt}}
|-
|{{:Terrify}}
|-
|{{:Exhaustion}}
|-
|{{:Field of Languish}}
|- 
|{{:Paranoia}}
|-
|{{:Condemned}}
|-
|{{:Chain of Souls}}
|-
|{{:Amplified Suffering}}
|-
|{{:Shared Pain}}
|}


===Flame Surge Skill Tree===

{| class="skillfeatures" style="width:100%;"
|-
|{{:Flame Surge}}
|-
|{{:Covered in Ash}}
|- 
|{{:Raging Violence}}
|-
|{{:Storm of Fire}}
|-
|{{:Eradication}}
|-
|{{:Ember's Gift}}
|-
|{{:Wave of Flame}}
|-
|{{:Burning  Chaos}}
|-
|{{:Raging Havoc}}
|}


== Bartering Options ==
Reaching Rapport Rank V with Aldkin unlocks his Bartering options with '''Fayira''' in The Den <small>([https://www.purediablo.com/diablo4/map/?markerId=marker_1728070768324 Map)]</small>.

Aldkin specialises in:
* '''Resource Aspect Caches:''' aspects tied to mana, essence, spirit, energy, and resource manipulation.
* '''Runes, Prisms, and Gem Fragments:''' items used for endgame crafting and upgrades.

Higher Rapport ranks improve the quality and quantity of these items. Pale Marks earned through Rapport are used for all Bartering transactions.


== Changes to {{PAGENAME}} ==

[[Patch 2-0|Patch 2.0]], October 8, 2024

* Added in [[Vessel of Hatred]]

{{:Template:Mercenary_Navigation}}

[[Category:Mercenaries]]

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== Aldkin's Gallery ==
{| class="skillfeatures" style="margin:auto;"
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|[[File:Aldkin chains.jpg|alt=Aldkin chains|center|thumb|500x500px|Chains]]
|[[File:Aldkin Fireball.jpg|alt=Aldkin Fireball|center|thumb|500x500px|Fireball]]
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|[[File:Aldkin Fire Surge.jpg|alt=Aldkin Fire Surge|center|thumb|500x500px|Fire Surge]]
|[[File:Aldkin Metamorphosis.jpg|alt=Aldkin Metamorphosis|center|thumb|500x500px|Metamorphosis]]
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|[[File:Aldkin Shadow attack.jpg|alt=Aldkin Shadow attack|center|thumb|500x500px|Shadow attack]]
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|}
-->