Difference between revisions of "Hexslinger"

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{{flavour|Arcane Marksmen are Hunters who use debilitating spells to assist their ranged attacks. They are particularly good at keeping their enemies at a distance.}}
 
{{flavour|Arcane Marksmen are Hunters who use debilitating spells to assist their ranged attacks. They are particularly good at keeping their enemies at a distance.}}
'''Arcane Marksmen''' are ranged combat specialists who complement their attacks with [[Hexes]] magic. What the [[Skald]] is to the [[Fighter]], the Arcane Marksman is to the [[Hunter]]. Arcane Marksmen enter the Dungeon with the [[Corona]] spell in memory.
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'''Arcane Marksmen''' are ranged combat specialists who complement their attacks with debilitating [[Hexes]]. What the [[Skald]] is to the [[Fighter]], the Arcane Marksman is to the [[Hunter]].
  
 
==Preferred Races==
 
==Preferred Races==
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==Starting Equipment==
 
==Starting Equipment==
 
Some [[species]] may receive different items based on their unique restrictions.
 
Some [[species]] may receive different items based on their unique restrictions.
*[[Throwing]] weapons or a +0 [[hunting sling]], [[shortbow]] or [[hand crossbow]]:
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*+0 ranged [[weapon of choice]]: ([[Throwing]] weapons, a [[hunting sling]], a [[shortbow]], or a [[hand crossbow]]:
 
** Those starting with a launcher start with 20 of the appropriate ammo ([[sling bullet]]s, [[arrow]]s, or [[bolt]]s).  
 
** Those starting with a launcher start with 20 of the appropriate ammo ([[sling bullet]]s, [[arrow]]s, or [[bolt]]s).  
** Those starting with throwing weapons start with 5 javelins, and 2 [[throwing net]]s. The javelins are replaced by 4 [[large rock]]s for large races and 8 [[tomahawk]]s for small races.
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** Those starting with throwing weapons start with 5 [[javelin]]s and 2 [[throwing net]]s. The javelins are replaced by 4 [[large rock]]s for large races or 8 [[boomerang]]s for small races.
 
*+0 [[robe]]
 
*+0 [[robe]]
 
*[[Book of Debilitation]]
 
*[[Book of Debilitation]]
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Arcane Marksmen start with the [[Corona]] spell memorised.
 
Arcane Marksmen start with the [[Corona]] spell memorised.
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==Starting Skills and Stats==
 
==Starting Skills and Stats==
 
These are adjusted by your species' [[aptitude]]s.
 
These are adjusted by your species' [[aptitude]]s.
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==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
Arcane Marksmen are fragile and dependent on a limited ammo supply to get them through tough fights. The first floors of the dungeon often have extra ammunition lying around, make sure to look for it. If you're low on ammo, the most effective strategy is to use a melee weapon in easy fights, while you keep training your ranged combat skill. Reserve your ammo for nastier stuff like [[gnoll]]s and [[adder]]s.
+
Arcane Marksmen are fragile and dependent on a limited ammo supply to get them through tough fights. The first floors of the dungeon often have extra ammunition lying around, so make sure to look for it. If you're low on ammo, the most effective strategy is to use a melee weapon in easy fights, while you keep training your ranged combat skill. Reserve your ammo for nastier stuff like [[gnoll]]s and [[adder]]s.
  
[[Corona]] everything you don't overpower, regardless of whether you're shooting or going hand-to-hand. [[Slow]] often takes several castings to apply but can enable a kiting strategy for things you can't melee safely. [[Inner Flame]] can be tricky to pull off but is very effective against groups, especially if you can combine it with [[Portal Projectile]]. [[Cause Fear]] is both a great panic button and offensive tool, but doesn't work on undead or demons, so have fun with it in the Lair branches!
+
[[Corona]] everything you don't overpower, regardless of whether you're shooting or going hand-to-hand. [[Slow]] may sometimes take several castings to apply, but can enable a kiting strategy for things you can't melee safely. [[Portal Projectile]] is perfect for sniping particularly dangerous monsters like [[orc priest]]s without having to first fight your way through all their friends. [[Inner Flame]] can be tricky to pull off without blowing yourself up, but is very effective against groups, especially if you can combine it with Slow or Portal Projectile. [[Cause Fear]] is both a great panic button and offensive tool, but doesn't work on undead or demons, so have fun with it in the Lair branches! [[Leda's Liquefaction]] will give you more time to shoot at melee opponents while they charge and will help protect you from their attacks if they manage to reach you.
  
Look for [[Blink]] and [[Summon Butterflies]] -- those are fantastic utilities for a ranged player throughout the entire game. Eventually, you'll want to be able to cast [[Deflect Missiles]] or other utility spells as well. That's really all you need to sweep through most branches; an enchanted bow, a big stack of arrows, and a handful of spells. You'll have a lot of experience left over, so pour it into [[Fighting]], [[Armour]]/[[Dodging]], and [[Stealth]].
+
Look for [[Blink]] and [[Summon Butterflies]] -- those are fantastic utilities for a ranged player throughout the entire game. Eventually, you'll also want to be able to cast other utility spells like [[Swiftness]] or [[Metabolic Englaciation]]. That's really all you need to sweep through most branches: an enchanted bow, a big stack of arrows, and a handful of spells. You'll have a lot of experience left over, so pour it into [[Fighting]], [[Armour]]/[[Dodging]], and [[Stealth]].
  
[[Okawaru]] is a decent choice for playing it safe since the ammo gifts will help ease the strain on you until you build up a big surplus, and eventually will gift you you a well-enchanted [[longbow]] or [[arbalest]] too. If you find yourself running low on ammo, dive deeper into the main [[Dungeon]] or head for [[the Vaults]]. [[Centaur]]s and [[yaktaur]]s are eager to help you reload.
+
As you'll mostly be fighting from a distance, a source of [[Repel Missiles]] will protect you from any ranged attackers that decide to engage you in a sniper duel.
 +
 
 +
[[Okawaru]] is a decent choice for playing it safe since the ammo gifts will help ease the strain until you can build up a big surplus, and you'll eventually earn a well-enchanted [[fustibalus]], [[longbow]], or [[arbalest]]. If you find yourself running low on ammo, dive deeper into the main [[Dungeon]] or head for [[the Vaults]]: [[centaur]]s and [[yaktaur]]s are eager to help you reload.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Prior to [[0.20]], the [[book of Debilitation]] had [[Gell's Gravitas]] instead of [[Portal Projectile]].
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*Prior to [[0.20]], the [[book of Debilitation]] had [[Gell's Gravitas]] instead of [[Portal Projectile]].
 
+
*Prior to [[0.17]], [[Control Teleport|teleport control]] combined with the [[blink]] spell allowed for semi-controlled blinks which was super useful for kiting even fast enemies.
Prior to [[0.17]], [[Control Teleport|teleport control]] combined with the [[blink]] spell allowed for semi-controlled blinks which was super useful for kiting even fast enemies.
+
*Prior to [[0.15]], Arcane Marksmen starting with javelins didn't get any throwing nets.
 
+
*Prior to [[0.14]], Arcane Marksmen started with 2 levels of Spellcasting.
Prior to [[0.15]], Arcane Marksmen starting with javelins didn't get any throwing nets.
+
*In earlier versions of the game, ammunition for launchers was much less common in the early game. This required careful ammo management until supplies were found deeper in the dungeon.
 
 
Prior to [[0.14]], Arcane Marksmen started with 2 levels of Spellcasting.
 
 
 
In earlier versions of the game, ammunition for launchers was much less common in the early game. This required careful ammo management until supplies were found deeper in the dungeon.
 
  
 
{{backgrounds}}
 
{{backgrounds}}
 
[[Category: Backgrounds]]
 
[[Category: Backgrounds]]

Revision as of 04:37, 14 September 2020

Version 0.21: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.
Arcane Marksmen are Hunters who use debilitating spells to assist their ranged attacks. They are particularly good at keeping their enemies at a distance.

Arcane Marksmen are ranged combat specialists who complement their attacks with debilitating Hexes. What the Skald is to the Fighter, the Arcane Marksman is to the Hunter.

Preferred Races

Formicid, Deep Elf, Kobold, Spriggan, Troll, and Centaur are the recommended races if you pick an Arcane Marksman Background.

Starting Equipment

Some species may receive different items based on their unique restrictions.

Arcane Marksmen start with the Corona spell memorised.

Starting Skills and Stats

These are adjusted by your species' aptitudes.

Choosing Arcane Marksman adds 2 to your starting Strength, 5 to your starting Intelligence and 5 to your starting Dexterity.

Strategy

Arcane Marksmen are fragile and dependent on a limited ammo supply to get them through tough fights. The first floors of the dungeon often have extra ammunition lying around, so make sure to look for it. If you're low on ammo, the most effective strategy is to use a melee weapon in easy fights, while you keep training your ranged combat skill. Reserve your ammo for nastier stuff like gnolls and adders.

Corona everything you don't overpower, regardless of whether you're shooting or going hand-to-hand. Slow may sometimes take several castings to apply, but can enable a kiting strategy for things you can't melee safely. Portal Projectile is perfect for sniping particularly dangerous monsters like orc priests without having to first fight your way through all their friends. Inner Flame can be tricky to pull off without blowing yourself up, but is very effective against groups, especially if you can combine it with Slow or Portal Projectile. Cause Fear is both a great panic button and offensive tool, but doesn't work on undead or demons, so have fun with it in the Lair branches! Leda's Liquefaction will give you more time to shoot at melee opponents while they charge and will help protect you from their attacks if they manage to reach you.

Look for Blink and Summon Butterflies -- those are fantastic utilities for a ranged player throughout the entire game. Eventually, you'll also want to be able to cast other utility spells like Swiftness or Metabolic Englaciation. That's really all you need to sweep through most branches: an enchanted bow, a big stack of arrows, and a handful of spells. You'll have a lot of experience left over, so pour it into Fighting, Armour/Dodging, and Stealth.

As you'll mostly be fighting from a distance, a source of Repel Missiles will protect you from any ranged attackers that decide to engage you in a sniper duel.

Okawaru is a decent choice for playing it safe since the ammo gifts will help ease the strain until you can build up a big surplus, and you'll eventually earn a well-enchanted fustibalus, longbow, or arbalest. If you find yourself running low on ammo, dive deeper into the main Dungeon or head for the Vaults: centaurs and yaktaurs are eager to help you reload.

History

  • Prior to 0.20, the book of Debilitation had Gell's Gravitas instead of Portal Projectile.
  • Prior to 0.17, teleport control combined with the blink spell allowed for semi-controlled blinks which was super useful for kiting even fast enemies.
  • Prior to 0.15, Arcane Marksmen starting with javelins didn't get any throwing nets.
  • Prior to 0.14, Arcane Marksmen started with 2 levels of Spellcasting.
  • In earlier versions of the game, ammunition for launchers was much less common in the early game. This required careful ammo management until supplies were found deeper in the dungeon.
Backgrounds
Warriors FighterGladiatorMonkHunterBrigand
Zealots BerserkerChaos KnightCinder Acolyte
Warrior-mages WarperHexslingerEnchanterReaver
Mages Hedge WizardConjurerSummonerNecromancerFire ElementalistIce ElementalistAir ElementalistEarth ElementalistAlchemist
Adventurers ArtificerShapeshifterWandererDelver