Snakebite

Version 0.30: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

A double-ended whip made from the cured hides of black mambas, and enchanted with toxins ranging from ordinary venoms to asphyxiating curare.

the +8 whip "Snakebite"

+8 whip

Curare (upgraded venom brand; 40% chance of inflicting curare effect instead)
rPois

Desirability

Snakebite is a rather useful weapon for much of the game, providing somewhat powerful, fast attacks with a unique brand and a useful resistance. It has a chance to inflict curare, which slows enemies and deals 2d6 damage.

However, Snakebite's base damage is fairly low. Curare does nothing against poison resistant enemies, making Snakebite little more than a +8 whip. Even against vulnerable enemies, you may prefer a demon whip or eveningstar by the late-game.

A rare vault in the early Lair is guaranteed to contain Snakebite; it consists of a long, winding corridor filled with adders, water moccasins, and black mambas, with Snakebite sitting at the very end.

History

• Prior to 0.19, Snakebite merely poisoned opponents instead of inflicting curare.
• Prior to 0.15, Snakebite had an enchantment of +5.
• Prior to 0.14, Snakebite had an enchantment of +5, +10.