Difference between revisions of "Gyre and Gimble"
(Whoops, didn't realize this wasn't the current version when I edited it earlier. Switched to be current with 0.23 and crystal balled) |
(Updated for realzies) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{version024}} |
{{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 +5 quick blades "Gyre" and "Gimble"''''' | [[File:Gyre and Gimble.png]] '''''the +5 quick blades "Gyre" and "Gimble"''''' | ||
| − | + | + | +7 [[quick blade]] |
| − | [[ | + | [[Protection]] [[brand]]<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) | ||
| Line 14: | Line 13: | ||
'''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. | '''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]]; the [[ | + | 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]]; though the [[protection]] brand helps increase your survivability (particularly if you have low AC), it does absolutely nothing to increase your damage output. |
| − | Alternatively, if you happen to have a reliable, | + | Gyre and Gimble's rapid-fire weak attacks work just fine on low-AC opponents, as you'll simply spread your damage out over multiple 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, renewable 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, though it's more useful for fighting single, powerful foes than for wading through a horde; [[Confusing Touch]] is an alternative that affects enemies with high [[magic resistance]] and synergizes well with Gyre and Gimble's high attack speed). However, each of these methods works 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. | ||
| Line 24: | Line 25: | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | * | + | *Prior to [[0.24]], Gyre and Gimble had a +5 enchantment, the [[vorpal]] brand, and a -3 penalty to [[Dexterity]]. |
*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]] | ||
| − | |||
Revision as of 05:21, 31 October 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"
+7 quick blade
Protection brand
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; though the protection brand helps increase your survivability (particularly if you have low AC), it does absolutely nothing to increase your damage output.
Gyre and Gimble's rapid-fire weak attacks work just fine on low-AC opponents, as you'll simply spread your damage out over multiple 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, renewable 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, though it's more useful for fighting single, powerful foes than for wading through a horde; Confusing Touch is an alternative that affects enemies with high magic resistance and synergizes well with Gyre and Gimble's high attack speed). However, each of these methods works 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.
