[FA] Gondolin/Doriath weapons

[buzzkill]

These (blessed weapons) have a random power which can sometimes be useful.

OK. I now have a 2nd blessed weapon. Actually just one because I sold the first one, but I digress. Is there any way to discover the hidden additional power of a blessed weapon. I've tried wielding it in battle many times (successfully), but that's given me no additional information. I can't just wield it all the time as a 1d3 magestaff, blessed as it may be, just isn't a very effective weapon, even in the hands of a highly skilled dwarf.

It did seem at times that it gave extra attacks and/or damage beyond it's capabilities (as indicated by (I)nspect), or... maybe I was just imagining that.

Does recalling into the wilderness alert surrounding monsters to your presence? It seems I'm always swarmed by hounds or giants (or both) shortly after arrival.

And now for something completely different... shouldn't dwarfs 'feel uncomfortable' wielding a bow (well, maybe not a cross bow), and how would a dwarf physically wield a long bow. And how about making them a step slower in areas other than mountains or dungeons (slow -1), ya know, 'cause of their stubby little legs and always tripping over their beards.

Longbeard Warrior L29, still kicking butt, 407 HP, Dor Denim 32 but meeting little resistance. Killed a few more uniques and heading deeper ASAP.

[Nick]

Nice.

Steel gauntlets of slaying(+6,+6)[3,+7] (better than my GOAgility? I'm not sure)

Agility is better if it gets you more blows, otherwise not.

A long sword(blessed)(+9,+2)(WIS+3) (not useful to me)

These have a random power which can sometimes be useful.

[Psi]

Allow me quote myself, "I WILL have him."
And so I did. I know it's probably not a big deal to most users of the forum, but I'm rather proud of myself.

Well done. Taking Mim is the first milestone in any game of FA.

Is there any reason for me to explore AR30 now that Mim is dead, or should I just get the heck out of there???

If you can take Mim, then you can justify being a good bit deeper than AR30.

[Nick]

I accidentally overwrote my recall point in AR and had to walk my way all the way back to AR and then down, down, down again. I hit level 30 and encountered Mim, betrayer of Turin, whom I suspect is the guardian (not meeting much resistance along the way). Is this correct???

Yeah, that's right. It sounds like you're close to ready for him - although he may still have a couple more tricks up his sleeve...

[buzzkill]

I quaffed a speed and traded blows with Mim for a few rounds but wasn't taking him down fast enough (he was at about 70% HP, I was at 50%). He hit me with an acid bolt that damaged my gloves, but no permanent harm. I teleported away and recalled (not that I was in danger in dying). With a few phase doors, and a couple heals I WILL have him (Mim).

Allow me quote myself, "I WILL have him."
And so I did. I know it's probably not a big deal to most users of the forum, but I'm rather proud of myself.

While in town stocking the basics for the upcoming battle, I bought a bunch of enchant aromur's and boosted my AC to 77. (that seemed to make a big difference as he didn't hit nearly as often).

He found me rather quickly after I arrived, but this time in a room, not a corridor. I quaffed my speed and heroism. He cast a couple of spells that were ineffective, and so the battle began. I could have beaten him in a straight up melee, but he healed himself once, and so I had to also (just to be safe). But aside from that it was just a, long, brutal, beating. The Whip of Freezing dealt most of the damage (*smite*ing Mim more than a few times), and the Bow of Velocity took him down as he fled.

He dropped..
Steel gauntlets of slaying(+6,+6)[3,+7] (better than my GOAgility? I'm not sure)
A long sword(blessed)(+9,+2)(WIS+3) (not useful to me)
A light crossbow(+4,+4)
The lamp of Gwindor (replaces my lantern)

I feeling good now, almost invincible, only time will tell what this attitude costs me, hopefully not my life.

Is there any reason for me to explore AR30 now that Mim is dead, or should I just get the heck out of there???

[buzzkill]

Thanks for all the advice!

I accidentally overwrote my recall point in AR and had to walk my way all the way back to AR and then down, down, down again. I hit level 30 and encountered Mim, betrayer of Turin, whom I suspect is the guardian (not meeting much resistance along the way). Is this correct???

I picked up a couple nice items along the way..
At the black market, I traded my light crossbow (+7,+9) for a short bow of velocity (+4,+20), bought gloves of agility (dex+5). It cost plenty, but that's what the gold is for right. I also picked up a shield of resistance(+18), which replaced my lesser SOR), and I found another ring of protection(+10), my 2nd. My AC with my typical equipment (1 ROP) is 70 (my best yet). With both ROP's I'd be +80 (but sacrificing free action) How good is that AC?

I quaffed a speed and traded blows with Mim for a few rounds but wasn't taking him down fast enough (he was at about 70% HP, I was at 50%). He hit me with an acid bolt that damaged my gloves, but no permanent harm. I teleported away and recalled (not that I was in danger in dying). With a few phase doors, and a couple heals I WILL have him (Mim).

[Nick]

However... the trip there should prove lucrative. Wilderness vaults are a better source of equipment than wandering around the early dungeons.

Another good option, in fact, would be to head north from Belegost. There is no dungeon in that direction before Angband, but there are lots of mountain levels; as a Longbeard, you will get Evasion (occasional dodge of blows and missiles) in mountains, especially if lightly armoured (RoP again!). If you put one of your recall points on that path, it's both a good source of experience and gear now, and a nice path to Angband for later.

[darkdrone]

I could use a little advice.....please....

I'm new, playing my best game to date with a L24 Longbeard Warrior. 297 HP. Natural 18STR, 18DEX. Currently exploring Amon Ruth, just recalled form LEV29 after encountering a vault of hounds and a bunch of other nasties. I'm well equipped, but not sure where to go from here (or what to expect, since I've never made it this far before). I'm not sure what to keep or sell or leave at home. I've got plenty of gold (30000), but the only halfway decent thing available in town is a rod of acid bolts for 3500 (black market). Your advice would be appreciated.

I've got...
A Whip of Freezing (3 blows, 35 per blow, 45% resistance) my primary weapon for as long as I can remember.

Rapier of Doriath (3 blows, 15 per blow, 4 resists, Sustain CHA, Stealth+1, feather fall, regen, see invis, free action) I primarily use the Rapier for the see invis when I need it.

My latest find, The Short Sword Dagmor (2 blows, 36 per blow vs. animal (17 vs. other), CON+3, CHA+3, regen) I use it for the CON boost (about 50 extra HP) then switch off after I lose those additional points. With Dagmor in hand, I'm all 18's except for INT 15 and WIS 9.

A Robe of Permanence+11 (4 resists+disenchantment, sustains all stats, resists life drain) My primary armour (just recently found).

My long time friend, Leather Scale Male of Elvenkind+14 (4 resists+sound, stealth +3) used for stealth when i need it, but I'm not sure if it's worthwhile. I'm thinking of selling it or leaving it at home, despite the sentimental value.

A cloak of stealth+2 (stealth+3) It used to have a much higher plus (+14 I think) but has been assaulted by acid many, many times.

A small shield of resistance+12. No other armour that's noteworthy. Some {good}, but believe it or not, some just {average}.

A ring of free action, 2 rings of deadliness+12 and +13, (and a ring of skill+7 which I'll be selling). Are the rings of deadliness worth keeping??? Are the pluses per blow??? (25x3 blows=extra 75 dam per turn?) I know the free action overlaps with the Doriath, but that's a weapon that's not wielded regularly, so I keep it.

A light crossbowx3 (+7,+8) and 1d7 bolts. Decent damage, but without a doubt, this is my weakness, ranged attack. Additionally, I have no ranged magic to back it up with. That's why a was considering paying black market prices for the acid bolts.

Rods of detect traps, stairs, and illumination.

Lots of CCW's, teleports, identifys.

What do I have to look forward to in the depths of Amon Ruth, and how well do you think I'm equipped. I'm not looking for a spoiler, just a nudge in the right direction. I'd hate to see this Warrior fall (right now) like all the rest. My GREED nearly caused my to lay him down on Amon29. Now I'm scared... not like I've been in a long time.

that is good equipment, but i believe the Guardian of AR can get you down low, so you have to get better stuff : weapons anyway, the Robe of Permanance might not sound like much but , you will LOVE not having stat drainers keep making you recall back!

(my Maia Ranger hasnt got HALF the resists that you have, and the earlier few keeps getting drained)

... so keep inching towards nargothrond ... havent been really disappointed (im rather new too) and i found out the following two things:

you'll be okay as long as you keep to the edges.

dont be afraid to run away!

enjoy your game.

best,
dD

[Psi]

Wouldn't Nargohrond be HARDER than where I'm currently roaming?

Yes, but not as hard as taking on the guardian at the bottom of Amon Rudh. However... the trip there should prove lucrative. Wilderness vaults are a better source of equipment than wandering around the early dungeons.

Are potions of speed 'rare' in town? I don't seem to find many (except for the black market).

You can't find !speed in the town other than the BM - however you can order them from the travelling merchants (make sure you have a recall point in Ephel Brandir for example).

The rings of deadliness only seem to add about 5 per blow (each) when used with my whip. That's an extra 30 points of damage per round when wearing both (assuming 3 hits)? Is the 'skill' still the better ring?

That depends on whether you need the skill to be able to hit the monsters! I probably play a little quicker and deeper than most for a given CL, so need any boost to skill I can get.

Is the rod of acid bolts worth wile, considering where I plan on going

I never use them. Not really worth a slot unless you have a whole stack.

One more thing... I'm currently based in Belgost (recall makes it possible), but feel that I should be closer to where I'm wandering. Is there another (better) large town nearby that I should move to?

I always end up in Gondolin myself - carry on North from Amon Rudh, past Ephel Brandir and it is to the east of Sirion Vale 28.

[buzzkill]

One more thing... I'm currently based in Belgost (recall makes it possible), but feel that I should be closer to where I'm wandering. Is there another (better) large town nearby that I should move to?

[buzzkill]

Better damage dice would be great, unfortunately my whip (1d7), short sword Dagmor (1d6) and Rapier of Doriath (1d7) are all pretty similar. I ID just about everything I find but haven't come across anything better yet. Speed does seem to becoming more of a issue now. Almost everything seem to move quickly and/or in packs. I'll drop the Doriath and find another way to see invisible, then get some potions of speed and take another crack at Amon Ruth. I never felt in dire peril there, just my GREED gets me into trouble. I REALLY wanted to go back to that vault. If Amon Ruth doesn't work out, I'll try heading to Nargohrond and seeing what I can find. Just a few questions??

Wouldn't Nargohrond be HARDER than where I'm currently roaming?

Are potions of speed 'rare' in town? I don't seem to find many (except for the black market).

The rings of deadliness only seem to add about 5 per blow (each) when used with my whip. That's an extra 30 points of damage per round when wearing both (assuming 3 hits)? Is the 'skill' still the better ring?

Is the rod of acid bolts worth wile, considering where I plan on going?

Thanks for the advice... this is a great forum!

[Psi]

If you don't want to be spoiled, I would suggest having a go at him and seeing what he does, and then planning accordingly; with those HP you will not be instakilled, but you need to be prepared to escape.

In other words, you are not ready for him yet! Brave him now if you want to learn about him, but you will be better served by heading to Nargothrond and trying to improve your offensive. You are going to need a much bigger damage dice weapon than a whip in the very near future (unless you stumble across a whip of the balrog of course...).

In terms of the rings, I would wear FA and Skill.

[Nick]

You are close to coming up against the guardian of Amon Rudh, who will be tougher than anything you've met yet. You should definitely wear that robe, and probably use the whip - although a weapon with better damage dice would be good. Deadliness values should be multiplied by 5 and treated as percentage of base damage; so your +13 ring will add 65% to the base damage from the weapon dice.

If you don't want to be spoiled, I would suggest having a go at him and seeing what he does, and then planning accordingly; with those HP you will not be instakilled, but you need to be prepared to escape. Also, for any fight you are worried about, potions of speed are your friend. You can order any potions you have seen (apart from stat potions) at the Travelling Merchant in any small town; they will not turn up immediately, but will go on the shop's list of things to stock.

[buzzkill]

I could use a little advice.....please....

I'm new, playing my best game to date with a L24 Longbeard Warrior. 297 HP. Natural 18STR, 18DEX. Currently exploring Amon Ruth, just recalled form LEV29 after encountering a vault of hounds and a bunch of other nasties. I'm well equipped, but not sure where to go from here (or what to expect, since I've never made it this far before). I'm not sure what to keep or sell or leave at home. I've got plenty of gold (30000), but the only halfway decent thing available in town is a rod of acid bolts for 3500 (black market). Your advice would be appreciated.

I've got...
A Whip of Freezing (3 blows, 35 per blow, 45% resistance) my primary weapon for as long as I can remember.

Rapier of Doriath (3 blows, 15 per blow, 4 resists, Sustain CHA, Stealth+1, feather fall, regen, see invis, free action) I primarily use the Rapier for the see invis when I need it.

My latest find, The Short Sword Dagmor (2 blows, 36 per blow vs. animal (17 vs. other), CON+3, CHA+3, regen) I use it for the CON boost (about 50 extra HP) then switch off after I lose those additional points. With Dagmor in hand, I'm all 18's except for INT 15 and WIS 9.

A Robe of Permanence+11 (4 resists+disenchantment, sustains all stats, resists life drain) My primary armour (just recently found).

My long time friend, Leather Scale Male of Elvenkind+14 (4 resists+sound, stealth +3) used for stealth when i need it, but I'm not sure if it's worthwhile. I'm thinking of selling it or leaving it at home, despite the sentimental value.

A cloak of stealth+2 (stealth+3) It used to have a much higher plus (+14 I think) but has been assaulted by acid many, many times.

A small shield of resistance+12. No other armour that's noteworthy. Some {good}, but believe it or not, some just {average}.

A ring of free action, 2 rings of deadliness+12 and +13, (and a ring of skill+7 which I'll be selling). Are the rings of deadliness worth keeping??? Are the pluses per blow??? (25x3 blows=extra 75 dam per turn?) I know the free action overlaps with the Doriath, but that's a weapon that's not wielded regularly, so I keep it.

A light crossbowx3 (+7,+8) and 1d7 bolts. Decent damage, but without a doubt, this is my weakness, ranged attack. Additionally, I have no ranged magic to back it up with. That's why a was considering paying black market prices for the acid bolts.

Rods of detect traps, stairs, and illumination.

Lots of CCW's, teleports, identifys.

What do I have to look forward to in the depths of Amon Ruth, and how well do you think I'm equipped. I'm not looking for a spoiler, just a nudge in the right direction. I'd hate to see this Warrior fall (right now) like all the rest. My GREED nearly caused my to lay him down on Amon29. Now I'm scared... not like I've been in a long time.

[Psi]

The weapon choice depends on your play style and what you are up against. Poisoning is not the greatest brand as lots of things resist it and 10% resist doesn't help you all that much. Obviously the Doriath weapon is rubbish for melee, so I'd only be interested in it if you are a fullcaster or need the stealth because you play with your char out of his depth. So use the Gondolin for fighting, sell or keep the Doriath as a swap and sell the poison brand.

The longbow is a lot better than either shortbow because of the multiplier. You also have the 'of accuracy' bonus that will kick in occassionally.