newbie with a question

[sillek]

Hello. I'm new to the forums and am current quite addicted to Book I. I have a question, and hopefully it's not answered a million times !

How does a bow user get through dark dungeons ? I can't use a torch or a lamp with my bow. The only thing I have found is Cat's Eye potion from the vendors. But these would get very expensive if I was to constantly drink them throughout an entire dungeon. And the vendors seem to only have 1-3 at a time.

There is a recipe to make Cat's Eye, but unfortunately being a bow user I have sold every darn thing I can find in order to afford arrows. And I don't imagine I've found more than a few "Bromine" anyway.

Also, even with Cat's Eye, I believe the enemy is still in "darkness", just not heavy darkness. So there is my question.. how do I fight in dark dungeons with a bow equipped ? And just for reference I am...I believe level 5 or 6..I just made it to Liliths house and spoken with her for the first time.

[King_ov_Death]

Perhaps Predator Sight will work. I didn't test it with bows, but it should do its job.

[Kreador Freeaxe]

Yes, Predator Sight is the answer. It allows you to attack in complete darkness with no penalty. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of the potions around, and there is no recipe to make it, so the best way to get it is to learn a little Elemental magic and cast it yourself. That's what I did with my Ranger. Also, if you use demon oil to tactically block off passages to let you snipe enemies from a distance, it has the added benefit of lighting them up.

[IJBall]

Hello. I'm new to the forums and am current quite addicted to Book I. I have a question, and hopefully it's not answered a million times !

How does a bow user get through dark dungeons ?

I guess there's probably three ways to get around this issue:

1) Cats Eyes - This is the one you've discovered. This is actually probably the worst solution of the three because, even under Cats Eyes, the ToHit stats are still slammed with a 'partial darkness' penalty.

There's two ways to get Cats Eyes: i) potions, as you've discovered; or, ii) Cats Eyes via the Divination Spell. Of the two options, you are much better off getting Cats Eyes via spell. You can either wait to pay for Divination magic later, or you can just bite the bullet and put your next 3 Skill Points into getting Level 1 of Divination magic now - but just Level 1 in Divination will get you Cats Eyes for 50 turns at a time, which is good enough.

2) Predator Sight - This one also exists as either a purchasable potion or as a Elemental Spell. Unfortunately, though, you cannot 'mix' Predator Sight potions, which makes use of them via potion much more difficult.

It is also much better than Cats Eyes, as you don't suffer any ToHit penalties when using Predator Sight in the dark.

Again, activating this one via one Level in Elemental Magic is your best bet.

3) Start learning a 'back-up' melee skill - Honestly, I'd advise doing this anyway, but this is really your best option, esp. if you intend to rely on Cats Eyes (only) in the dark.

Personally, whenever I play a primarily Bow-using character, I always also put Skill points into one of the melee-skills at character creation for just this reason. (Also, having a melee skill will allow you to manage and limit your use of precious arrows better...)

Anyway, hope this helps!

[sillek]

Aha, Predator Sight. Thank you. I was trying to avoid learning magic for as long as possible, but it seems as if I'll have to invest some points. No particular reason for avoiding it..just me being weird.

[Kreador Freeaxe]

Elemental Magic gives you the two best spells for a ranger: Predator Sight and Air Shield.

Don't forget the wonderful uses of demon oil, though, while you're at it. It can be an invaluable aid in some fights.

[sillek]

Is it bad that I am still using an Amulet of Accuracy (+3 to hit) at level 10+ ?
I haven't seen anything that's any better so far. The only two that might be usable (but not better) would be Evil Amulet (+1dmg) or one with +4thrown and +2dex (for the dex).

I also haven't found any headgear that seem worthwhile. I had been using a Thinking Cap (+2INT) forever; since like level 2-4. But I recently switched to a dorky looking wizard's hat with +3 spot hidden.

I've also recently run into a problem casting spells. It says I cannot have over 7pounds in my Weapon/Gauntlets/Shield (dont have a shield). This is when casting near NPC/enemy. Is this a common problem ? I tested by saving my level-ups, and I'd need like 6-8more points in strength to be able to cast without removing my gloves. I think that's kind of a waste...and my strength is already pretty high (higher than I'd like) simply because I was always encumbered from looting stuff to sell.
I guess the best course of action is to just take off my gauntlets if I need to re-buff near enemies ? (Predator Sight in dungeons)

[King_ov_Death]

Is it bad that I am still using an Amulet of Accuracy (+3 to hit) at level 10+ ?
I haven't seen anything that's any better so far.

There are a lot of nice amulets. You just need to be patient and check your magic seller of choice regularly.

I also haven't found any headgear that seem worthwhile. I had been using a Thinking Cap (+2INT) forever; since like level 2-4. But I recently switched to a dorky looking wizard's hat with +3 spot hidden.

If you are a mage, there is a Grand Master Wizard's Hat that will be useful for you. Or else, you could look for a helm with high armor.

I've also recently run into a problem casting spells. It says I cannot have over 7pounds in my Weapon/Gauntlets/Shield (dont have a shield). This is when casting near NPC/enemy. Is this a common problem ? I tested by saving my level-ups, and I'd need like 6-8more points in strength to be able to cast without removing my gloves. I think that's kind of a waste...and my strength is already pretty high (higher than I'd like) simply because I was always encumbered from looting stuff to sell.
I guess the best course of action is to just take off my gauntlets if I need to re-buff near enemies ? (Predator Sight in dungeons)

It always happens. You just need to take your gauntlets and/or sword off and put them back on when you're done casting the spell.

[sillek]

Thanks !