Bloodbane

Obsolete: This article refers to an aspect of the game which has been removed. It is retained for historical reference only.

A blade forged in Hell by the sacrifice of countless tortured souls. It inflicts the rage and suffering of those souls upon its wielder.

the +8 demon blade "Bloodbane"

+8 demon blade

Vorpal brand
Allows berserk
Forces berserk (on 5% of attacks)
-50 stealth

Desirability

Similar to but somewhat weaker than the zealot's sword, Bloodbane is a very nice weapon if you can overcome its berserkitis. Being undead or worshiping Ashenzari will give you a bit more leeway for using this weapon, and the fact that it doesn't curse itself constantly means you can use it whenever a situation arises in which berserking would actually be useful. Just don't wield it all the time and you'll be fine.

History

• Bloodbane was removed in 0.25. Its berserking mechanics were added to the other unrandart demon blade, Leech.
• Prior to 0.18, the forced berserk happened on 9% of attacks.
• Prior to 0.15, the stealth penalty was -20.
• Truly a shapeshifting weapon, Bloodbane was originally a long sword, then a katana (even after katanas were removed in 0.9), and is now a demon blade.