Quick blade

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Name Quick blade
Skill Short Blades
Damage 5
Accuracy +6
Base delay (%) 7 (70%)
Min delay 3 at skill 8
Hands 1H
Size One-handed
Ranged? No


This carefully wrought short sword is preternaturally well-balanced, making it much easier for even inexperienced handlers to attack with it quickly.

"He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword...

-Julia Ward Howe, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". 1861

The quick blade is the fastest weapon in the game, and the only weapon which can reach an unhasted attack delay of 3 without a speed brand. As such, a quick blade with a pain, electrocution, or (if you're feeling bold) distortion brand is a very effective vehicle for damage, especially when coupled with high slaying bonuses. However, in the absence of stabbing opportunities or slaying bonuses, quickblade damage against high-AC late game opponents is underwhelming. While the quick blade deals less damage than a cutlass, its combination of average damage, high speed and high accuracy make it the deadliest short blade.

Quick blades are rare, and are most commonly obtained by way of Trog and Okawaru's weapon acquirements. Failing this, deep elf blademasters have a 1/26 chance of receiving twin elven quick blades; since there are two blademasters guaranteed in the Elf:3 treasure vault, an Elf run has a chance slightly under 1/13 of producing quick blades. Some of the more powerful spriggans also carry them on occasion. They can be found on the ground at deeper dungeon levels, often with good enchantments, but rarely branded.

Quick blades
Mundane Quickblade.png
Magical Quickblade2.png
Artifact Quickblade3.png
Weapons
Axes BattleaxeBroad axeExecutioner's axeHand axeWar axe
Maces & Flails ClubDemon whipDire flailEveningstarFlailGiant clubGiant spiked clubGreat maceMace (Hammer) • MorningstarSacred scourgeWhip
Long Blades Demon bladeDouble swordEudemon bladeFalchionGreat swordLong swordScimitarTriple sword
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Short Blades DaggerQuick bladeRapierShort sword
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