Difference between revisions of "Gyre and Gimble"
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{{flavour|Two quick blades joined by a chain. Swinging one compels the wielder to swing the other, as if they have minds of their own.}} | {{flavour|Two quick blades joined by a chain. Swinging one compels the wielder to swing the other, as if they have minds of their own.}} | ||
| − | [[File:Gyre and Gimble.png]] '''''the + | + | [[File:Gyre and Gimble.png]] '''''the +5 quick blades "Gyre" and "Gimble"''''' |
| − | + | + | +5 [[quick blade]] |
| − | [[ | + | [[Vorpal]] [[brand]]<br> |
| + | -3 [[dexterity]]<br> | ||
Each swing attacks twice<br> | Each swing attacks twice<br> | ||
Always [[handedness|two-handed]] (Except for [[formicid]]s) | Always [[handedness|two-handed]] (Except for [[formicid]]s) | ||
==Desirability== | ==Desirability== | ||
| − | Gyre and Gimble | + | '''Gyre and Gimble''' are an unusual weapon - thematically two separate weapons, they are treated in game as a single two-handed weapon that just happens to get twice as many attacks as a normal quick blade would. As quick blades already attack extraordinarily fast, this amounts to an absurd number of hits before the enemy can react to you. At mindelay (requires a paltry 8 [[Short Blades]] skill), you'll essentially be getting in an attack every 1.5 auts. When [[haste]]d, this goes up to an attack every aut. |
| − | However, the actual effectiveness of these attacks depends on two things: your [[slaying]] bonuses and the enemy's [[AC]]. A quick blade doesn't deal very much damage per hit unless it has a set damage brand, like [[distortion]], [[electrocution]], or [[pain]]; | + | However, the actual effectiveness of these attacks depends on two things: your [[slaying]] bonuses and the enemy's [[AC]]. A quick blade doesn't deal very much damage per hit unless it has a set damage brand, like [[distortion]], [[electrocution]], or [[pain]]; the [[vorpal]] brand, while better than nothing, is still one of the weakest options available for a quick blade. Gyre and Gimble's rapid-fire weak attacks work just fine on low-AC opponents, as you'll simply spread your damage out over several hits, but you'll barely be able to scratch high-AC opponents. Enough slaying bonuses, liberal use of [[potions of might]], and easy access to [[berserk]]ing will overcome this issue, allowing Gyre and Gimble to be effective against armoured foes and absolutely devastating against the unarmoured. Good luck finding those slaying sources, however. |
| − | Alternatively, if you happen to have a reliable, infinite source of [[invisibility]] (or [[Dazzling Spray|enemy blindness]]), Gyre and Gimble function as a phenomenally deadly source of [[stab]]bing damage. When invisi-stabbing your way through a pack of enemies that can't [[see invisible]], you'll be delivering lethal blows at terrifying speed, regardless of AC. [[Confusion|Confusing]] enemies | + | Alternatively, if you happen to have a reliable, infinite source of [[invisibility]] (or [[Dazzling Spray|enemy blindness]]), Gyre and Gimble function as a phenomenally deadly source of [[stab]]bing damage. When invisi-stabbing your way through a pack of enemies that can't [[see invisible]], you'll be delivering lethal blows at terrifying speed, regardless of AC. [[Confusion|Confusing]] enemies works just as well ([[Confusing Touch]] affects enemies with high [[magic resistance]] and synergizes well with a high attack speed), though it's more helpful if you're fighting a single, strong enemy than when wading through a horde. However, these methods work adequately with any other type of short blade -- Gyre and Gimble's main advantage is simply their exceptional attack speed. |
Whether or not it's worth sacrificing use of your off-hand is up to you, but a well-branded, fully-enchanted quick blade and [[buckler]] of [[resistance]] may be the smarter choice in some cases. [[Formicid]]s, of course, don't have to worry about losing their shield slot. | Whether or not it's worth sacrificing use of your off-hand is up to you, but a well-branded, fully-enchanted quick blade and [[buckler]] of [[resistance]] may be the smarter choice in some cases. [[Formicid]]s, of course, don't have to worry about losing their shield slot. | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
| − | Gyre and Gimble | + | Gyre and Gimble are a reference to the poem "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carrol. |
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | * | + | *In [[0.24]], Gyre and Gimble will increase to a +7 enchantment, gain the [[protection]] brand, and lose their Dex penalty. |
*Gyre and Gimble were added in [[0.16]]. | *Gyre and Gimble were added in [[0.16]]. | ||
[[Category:Short blades]] | [[Category:Short blades]] | ||
[[Category:Unrands]] | [[Category:Unrands]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Crystal Ball Articles]] | ||
Revision as of 08:51, 20 June 2019
| Two quick blades joined by a chain. Swinging one compels the wielder to swing the other, as if they have minds of their own. |
the +5 quick blades "Gyre" and "Gimble"
+5 quick blade
Vorpal brand
-3 dexterity
Each swing attacks twice
Always two-handed (Except for formicids)
Desirability
Gyre and Gimble are an unusual weapon - thematically two separate weapons, they are treated in game as a single two-handed weapon that just happens to get twice as many attacks as a normal quick blade would. As quick blades already attack extraordinarily fast, this amounts to an absurd number of hits before the enemy can react to you. At mindelay (requires a paltry 8 Short Blades skill), you'll essentially be getting in an attack every 1.5 auts. When hasted, this goes up to an attack every aut.
However, the actual effectiveness of these attacks depends on two things: your slaying bonuses and the enemy's AC. A quick blade doesn't deal very much damage per hit unless it has a set damage brand, like distortion, electrocution, or pain; the vorpal brand, while better than nothing, is still one of the weakest options available for a quick blade. Gyre and Gimble's rapid-fire weak attacks work just fine on low-AC opponents, as you'll simply spread your damage out over several hits, but you'll barely be able to scratch high-AC opponents. Enough slaying bonuses, liberal use of potions of might, and easy access to berserking will overcome this issue, allowing Gyre and Gimble to be effective against armoured foes and absolutely devastating against the unarmoured. Good luck finding those slaying sources, however.
Alternatively, if you happen to have a reliable, infinite source of invisibility (or enemy blindness), Gyre and Gimble function as a phenomenally deadly source of stabbing damage. When invisi-stabbing your way through a pack of enemies that can't see invisible, you'll be delivering lethal blows at terrifying speed, regardless of AC. Confusing enemies works just as well (Confusing Touch affects enemies with high magic resistance and synergizes well with a high attack speed), though it's more helpful if you're fighting a single, strong enemy than when wading through a horde. However, these methods work adequately with any other type of short blade -- Gyre and Gimble's main advantage is simply their exceptional attack speed.
Whether or not it's worth sacrificing use of your off-hand is up to you, but a well-branded, fully-enchanted quick blade and buckler of resistance may be the smarter choice in some cases. Formicids, of course, don't have to worry about losing their shield slot.
Trivia
Gyre and Gimble are a reference to the poem "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carrol.
History
- In 0.24, Gyre and Gimble will increase to a +7 enchantment, gain the protection brand, and lose their Dex penalty.
- Gyre and Gimble were added in 0.16.
