Woodcutter's axe

Version 0.28: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

A weapon that chops foes down as steadily and methodically as a forester cutting wood. The unchanging rhythm of its work has settled on it with the force of natural law, and no amount of force or skill can make it swing faster or slower.

the +8 woodcutter's axe

+8 war axe
Vorpal brand
Always swings at 10 auts, regardless of any other factors (such as Haste, Slow, weapon skill, or wearing a shield).

Desirability

As a +8 war axe, the woodcutter's axe is already a respectable weapon in the early game (where it is most commonly found). Combine that with the fact that it can be swung at normal speed with no Axes skill at all, and any early character will find it a worthy weapon indeed.

However, as you invest in your weapon skills, you will find that other weapons begin to outspeed and out-damage a mere war axe. Even if you decide to specialise in Axes, you'll eventually want to upgrade to a larger axe when you're capable of swinging one comfortably.

Still, guaranteeing that no regular-speed monster can hit you twice per swing remains quite useful for a long time. Characters who do not plan to invest in a weapon will appreciate having a solid backup melee option.

History

• The woodcutter's axe was added in 0.28.