No ability play

[taptap]

From the challenges thread. I put it into a new thread, because I am playing around with this kind of char again, no ability play should be possible with the challenge houses and different builds as well.

HallucinationMushroom:
I challenge someone to win the challenge I tried several times, but couldn't quite crack the very end-game with. No abilities, just raw skill points. Most of my tries were with all the other in game challenges, but it's probably hard enough without those. If someone can win the no abilities challenge, then they should ramp it up with that next for sheer masochistic pleasure.

Some chars without abilities (please add).

* Nobility (by psi): http://angband.oook.cz/ladder-show.php?id=15049 (Morgoth kill without abilities)
* Tishrin (by taptap): http://angband.oook.cz/ladder-show.php?id=15048 (Killed by Gothmog)
* Ironelves (by hallucinationmushroom w/ additional challenges): http://angband.oook.cz/ladder-show.php?id=12951 800' / http://angband.oook.cz/ladder-show.php?id=12921 650' / http://angband.oook.cz/ladder-show.php?id=12940 900'

* Monur (by taptap): http://angband.oook.cz/ladder-show.php?id=16485 (Escaped with a Silmaril - found Saithnar)

[taptap]

Sharpness weapons are a real game changer. Even more without abilities. From surviving to rolling... psi found it quite early I remember, I found it on 900 or 950ft. - I could kill a number of uniques before (particularly proud about Turkano), but taking on the late game Balrogs in melee was only possible with Saithnar. With more strength potions I would have tried Morgoth as well.

Cloak of Maglor, Battle Axe of Hurin or blades of Hador's House are really much easier to appreciate without abilities.

Light is likely the major issue. I only had a lantern until 950ft. or so - so I had to pick up every extra light possible. Cloak of Maglor was thus very welcome, when in normal games I barely even notice its special ability.

The other big discovery was the tremendous utility of the Horn of Thunder. All pre-Saithnar unique kills involved it, and even afterwards it still played a significant role.

[taptap]

No ability archery, anyone?