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Ancient Domains Of Mystery, forum overview / Spoilers / Farmers and Spells

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Tarsk
Registered user

Last page view:

4561 days, 14 hours, 14 minutes and 40 seconds ago.
Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 13:01 (GMT -5)

(Kind of long, sorry about the length)
Hello there everyone. I've been playing ADOM for a while and lurked these forums from time to time, but I've recently encountered a decision that I don't know how to proceed.

The starsign at the beginning was the Sword, and I heard that it was good for farmers so I decided to go with a Darkeling Farmer. Wanted to start literate so I chose some +Le choices, started with 14 Learning. After going through the VD ( for Healing ), SMC, UD, and the top of the CoC, DDL+VDDL ( for the wand ), Darkforge ( 14 pools generated, got a wish ) and completing all of the Dwarven quests, I wanted to go and check out the PC to see if there's anything interesting there.

To my surprise, a Book shop was generated. Now I know that spells and Farmers don't really mix too well, but I decided to give it a try. So I bought some books, went back to Darkforge to pick up the Crown of Science, and started to read the books. Failed at the powerful ones ( Acid Bolt and Improved Fireball in particular ), but managed to get some basic ones, including Teleportation.

Now here's the decision I'm thinking about. The talents so far up to Level 18 are:
Alert --> Healthy --> Hardy --> Tough Skin --> Iron Skin --> Miser --> Immune to Pain --> Treasure Hunter

After that I planned on something like:
--> Quick --> Good Shot --> Keen Shot --> Quick Shot --> Lightning Shot

But now with the Book shop and my character able to learn spells, started to think of something like:
--> Careful --> Potent Aura --> Strong Aura --> Good Book Caster --> Great Book Caster

Of course if I do choose this path I have to go get Concentration, but I think there are still 9 Pools left in Darkforge and a few scattered around elsewhere. And that 1 Dex shouldn't take too long to get.

Was thinking of doing this so I can get the most use out of stuff like the Teleportation spell for transport and Strength of Atlas so I don't have to depend on the girdle of carrying. So any thoughts, opinions, or suggestions? First time I really got a Book shop for a class that isn't supposed to use spells. Any help would be appreciated.

Here's an edited .vlg for a visual of where he's at:
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 #....#[[%['(#..............#..h#.../........#..........#...../................#
##....#(%(.%[#..............#..@#...#........#..........#..&..#................#
#.....#...?%[#..............#...#...#........#..........#.....#................#
#.....##/#####..............###/#...##########..........#.....#................#
#.............................h.h.......................#######................#
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   #.....#.....#...........................>.......#.......#.................#
   ###...#######...................................#########...............###
     #..............................................       ................#
     ###############################################       ##############
Tarsk         St:24  Le:24  Wi:21  Dx:17  To:27  Ch:13  Ap:12  Ma:16  Pe:21 N=
DV/PV: 29/19   H: 210(210)    P: 36(83)      Exp: 18/374108     D: 10 $:30500
Blessed
------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Character Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tarsk    St:24  Le:24  Wi:21  Dx:17  To:27  Ch:13  Ap:12  Ma:16  Pe:21  N=
DV/PV: 29/19   H: 210(210)   P: 36(83)   Exp: 18/374108   M: 161700



----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Background Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: Tarsk               Race: male Drakeling      Class: Farmer
Eye color: blue           Hair color: bald          Complexion: blue
Height: 5'8"              Weight: 165 pounds
Age: 25 (grown-up)
Star sign: Sword          Birthday: 30/Sword (day 210 of the year)

YOUR HISTORY:
        Your parents are travelling adventurers. Both are competent,
 talented and doing very well.
        As a young child you were often alone. You did not have any
 friends. You do not like to remember those times. They were very sad.
        During your youth you embarked on many small journeys to nearby
 towns on behalf of your parents. You learned to know lots of people and
 made many friends.
        As a young adult you tried many occupations before finally deciding
 on one to pursue. This has left you with a very broad base of lore.
        You decided to become a Farmer.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Weapon Skills
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Melee weapon           Lvl   Hit   Dam   DV   Level          Required marks
---------------------  ---   ---   ---   --   -------------  --------------
Maces & flails           3    +2    +1   +0   basic                12
Swords                   3    +2    +1   +0   basic                52
Axes                     5    +3    +2   +1   skilled              136
Whips                    1    +1    +0   +1   basic                20
Pole arms               11   +12    +7  +14   Mastery              73

Missile weapon         Lvl   Hit   Dam   Ra   Level          Required marks
---------------------  ---   ---   ---   --   -------------  --------------
Slings                   6   +12    +9   +2   skilled              49
Bows                     3    +6    +4   +1   basic                27
Thrown axes & hammers    3    +6    +4   +1   basic                11
Thrown rocks & clubs     1    +2    +1   +0   basic                1
Thrown spears            1    +2    +1   +0   basic                8

Shields                Lvl   DV               Level          Required marks
---------------------  ---   ---              -------------  --------------
Shields                  4    +8              skilled              85
	//rest aren't used at all


Damage caused with your melee weapons:
--------------------------------------
ÆRight hand: Î+59Æ bonus to hit, Î2d7+24Æ damage


Damage caused with your missile weapons:
----------------------------------------
ÆAmmunition: Î1Æ, base range: Î3Æ, Î+17Æ bonus to hit, Î3d10+14Æ damage




----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Spells
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Darkness         :   651,   4pp     (Effectivity: +0)
   Farsight         :   387,  17pp     (Effectivity: +0)
   Light            :   258,   3pp     (Effectivity: +0)
   Magic Lock       :    88,   8pp     (Effectivity: +0)
   Neutralize Poison:    44,  15pp     (Effectivity: +0)
   Slow Monster     :   439,   7pp     (Effectivity: +0)
   Strength of Atlas:   104,  10pp     (Effectivity: +0)
   Teleportation    :   319,  22pp     (Effectivity: +0)
	//only recently read the books, so spells haven't been used yet


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Skills
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Alertness ................ 66    (good)         [+1]
  Archery .................. 86    (great)        [+1]
  Backstabbing ............. 41    (fair)         [+1d3]
  Bridge building .......... 45    (fair)         [+2d4] (mr)
  Climbing ................. 38    (fair)         [+4d4]
  Cooking .................. 92    (superb)       [+1d5] (ma)
  Courage .................. 91    (superb)       [+1]
  Detect traps ............. 44    (fair)         [+1d3]
  Disarm traps ............. 14    (mediocre)     [+3d3]
  First aid ................ 58    (good)         [+2d4]
  Fletchery ................ 53    (good)         [+1d3] (ma)
  Food preservation ........100    (superb)       [+2d4]
  Gardening ................ 37    (fair)         [+4d5]
  Haggling ................. 34    (fair)         [+4d4]
  Healing .................. 69    (good)         [+1d3]
  Herbalism ................ 81    (great)        [+1d3]
  Listening ................100    (superb)       [+1d3]
  Literacy ................. 56    (good)         [+1d3]
  Music .................... 90    (great)        [+1]
  Pick locks ............... 15    (mediocre)     [+3d4]
  Pick pockets ............. 77    (great)        [+1]
  Smithing ................. 50    (fair)         [+1d5]
  Stealth .................. 75    (great)        [+1]
  Survival ................. 60    (good)         [+2d4]
  Swimming ................. 62    (good)         [+3d3]
  Tactics .................. 39    (fair)         [+1d3]
  Two weapon combat ........ 46    (fair)         [+1d3]
  Woodcraft ................  6    (poor)         [+4d5]




----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Inventory
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total weight: 6282 stones                Carrying capacity: 11100 stones

He: uncursed horned helmet [+1, +1]                                  [100s]
Ne: blessed amulet of perseverance {Wi+3}                              [3s]
Bo: uncursed fine leather armor (named) (+2, +0) [+2, +8] (+15 spd)  [120s]
	// post-crowning gift
Gi: blessed girdle of carrying [+0, +0]                               [15s]
Cl: uncursed cloak of defense [+3, +0]                                [20s]
RH: blessed adamantium halberd (+9, 2d7+6) [-2, +0]                   [70s]
	// unfortunately, the best polearm I was able to find in Darkforge
LH: -
RR: uncursed ring of ice                                               [1s]
LR: blessed ring of acid resistance                                    [1s]
Br: uncursed bracers of defense [+2, +0]                              [10s]
Ga: elemental gauntlets (-1, +0) [+0, +3]                             [10s]
Bo: blessed seven league boots [+1, +0]                               [30s]
	// sold at the Black Market
MW: -
Mi: uncursed hammer of the gods (+1, 7d6+8) [-6, +0]                 [400s]
	// from Darkforge
Tl: uncursed holy symbol                                               [5s]


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Stuff
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total weight: 5497 stones   Carrying capacity: 11100 stones

Helmets ('[')
   crown of science [+4, +8] {Le+9}                                   [65s]
Armor ('[')
   blessed ancient mummy wrapping [+1, +5] {Ap-8}                     [60s]
   uncursed clothes of life [+0, +2]                                  [40s]
Shields ('[')
   uncursed medium adamantium shield [+7, +2]                         [72s]
   tower mithril shield (-2) [+9, +2]                                [120s]
Gauntlets ('[')
   uncursed thick gauntlets (+0, -3) [+0, +1]                         [15s]
Cloaks ('[')
   uncursed light cloak [+1, +0]                                      [20s]
   cloak of defense [+3, +0]                                          [20s]
Girdles ('[')
   uncursed mithril girdle [+0, +2]                                   [20s]
   uncursed girdle of strength [+0, +0] {St+1}                        [15s]
   leather girdle                                                      [5s]
Necklaces (''')
	// assorted neckwear                             
One-handed weapons ('(')
   blessed hatchet (+0, 1d6+2)                                        [50s]
   blessed wicked spear (+2, 1d11+2)                                  [50s]
   uncursed stone spear (+0, 1d8-3)                                  [120s]
   uncursed red broadsword (+0, 1d7+1)                                [80s]
   blessed pick axe of mayhem (+0, 3d6+9)                             [75s]
   blessed orcish battle axe (-2, 1d7+3)                             [120s]
   uncursed whip of slaughtering (-3, 1d30+2)                         [15s]
   blessed lead-filled mace "Big Punch" (+1, 8d5+3) [-6, +0]         [800s]
	// for dealing with tough enemies like Steel Golems
   eternium dagger (+0, 2d4+7)                                         [5s]
   broadsword                                                         [80s]
Two-handed weapons ('(')
   blessed staff of the magi (+2, 1d10+2) [+3, +3] {Ma+6}             [40s]
Missile weapons ('}')
   blessed rune-covered sling "Whirlwind" (+12, +12)                   [3s]
	// crowning gift
   short bow                                                          [20s]
Missiles ('*')
   	// whole bunch of missiles here, nothing special
Tools (']')
   	// nothing much of interest, only a few blankets and Si's
Instruments ('{')
   blessed glockenspiel                                              [120s]
Rings ('=')
   	// nothing major
Wands ('\')
   	// nothing major here as well
Potions ('!')
   	// nor here
Scrolls ('?')
  	// left about 11 SoCRs in the Old Barbarian's Glade
Books ('"')
   uncursed spellbook of Light                                       [100s]
   tiny tome                                                         [100s]
   spellbook of Strength of Atlas                                    [100s]
   spellbook of Teleportation                                        [100s]
Food ('%')
   	// lots of food, not much when it comes to herbs though
Valuables ('$')
   30500 gold pieces                                                 [305s]
Gems ('*')
   // regular stuff


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Killed Monsters
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

3935 monsters perished under his attacks.

The following monsters were vanquished:
      1 cave tiger
	// had the urge to acid spit into a dark room, killed this by accident
     23 jackals
	// thank goodness for Music
     67 large bats
	// first kill, wanted Courage
      1 oracle
	// very helpful +Le boost
    156 rats
	// Thrundarr's kill quest target, thankfully
      1 water elemental
	// pool encounter
      1 wild cat
	// after cave lion incident, killed out of frustration

	// all of the rest have been snipped


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Achievements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

He survived for 0 years, 81 days, 1 hour, 44 minutes and 10 seconds (161700
turns).
	// about half of this was constantly saccing for a second post-crowning, never happened
	// since I was getting too close to level 17
64 companions were killed during his adventures.
	// mostly Jackals, blink dogs, and cats
Tarsk visited 53 places.
His strength score was modified by +3 during his career.
His learning score was modified by +10 during his career.
His willpower score was modified by +6 during his career.
His dexterity score was modified by +4 during his career.
His toughness score was modified by +8 during his career.
His charisma score was modified by +5 during his career.
His appearance score was modified by +4 during his career.
His mana score was modified by +6 during his career.
His perception score was modified by +9 during his career.
He was the champion of the arena.
He was a member of the thieves guild.
He saved Khelavaster from certain death.
	// 5 Pools, been lucky with that


[Edited 1 time, last edit on 2/10/2011 at 13:17 (GMT -5) by Tarsk]
Darren Grey
Registered user

Last page view:

4211 days, 2 hours, 11 minutes and 23 seconds ago.
Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 14:44 (GMT -5)

I'd still go down the archery route if I were you. It works out stronger and more important in the end. The spells are still nice to have around, but you'll never be a proper caster, and you have no guarantee of getting Concentration until later in the game.

You shouldn't be relying on Strength of Atlas anyway, and I'm surprised you really need that girdle of carrying. I'm guessing Big Punch is weighing you down a bit... But on that note you should probably switch to just Big Punch and your best shield, as you'll deal more damage and be better protected too. Just because farmers have a small affinity with polearms doesn't mean you should give up better weapons in deference to them.

Oh, and get rid of Hammer of the Gods. It's junk, and a proper bow and arrows will serve you better, especially if you find some good arrows. Sac or sell it instead.
Waldenbrook, the dwarven shopkeeper, mumbles: "I'd offer 9 gold pieces for yer dwarven child corpse."
Tarsk
Registered user

Last page view:

4561 days, 14 hours, 14 minutes and 40 seconds ago.
Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 15:11 (GMT -5)

Thanks for the response. After reading and putting a little thought into what you said, it does make sense. I usually have a stockpile of wand recharging items by the end of the game so teleportation isn't too much of a problem by then. Also if I do learn the good offensive spells like Balls, book casting them in combat would be too risky.

The Strength of Atlas spell and Girdle of Carrying is more for convenience than anything. I tend to dislike being even Burdened ( tend to play Monks a fair bit ). I do agree with the weapon choice as well, since the halberd is pretty weak in comparison to Big Punch, guess I'm just hoping for a good eternium halberd or Wyrmlance to show up at the Casino ( more wishful thinking ).

And yeah, kind of just used Hammer of the Gods a bit just because it's the first time I've ever got it. It is pretty terrible though, very short range combined with the to-hit penalty and I also noticed I fail to catch it a lot. Rune-covered trident is also going to come along anyway, so I guess I'll just stick it somewhere until I find an anvil or really need cash.

Thanks again.
Darren Grey
Registered user

Last page view:

4211 days, 2 hours, 11 minutes and 23 seconds ago.
Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 18:16 (GMT -5)

RCT is a good melee weapon when you get it. But a one-hander with shield is generally safer. And don't worry about trying to train up weapon types in advance of something - it's easy to get a few levels quickly with a new weapon.
Waldenbrook, the dwarven shopkeeper, mumbles: "I'd offer 9 gold pieces for yer dwarven child corpse."
Guest
Unregistered user
Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 13:27 (GMT -5)

I typically go with Quickness -> Greased Lighting. Running has saved me MANY times. I frequently take Porter -> Master Packager. (I like to carry a lot). Eventually I take Good Shot -> Eagle Eye. You will need to use a bow/crossbow/sling for the end game (IMHO). I would switch from the Hammer to Whirlwind.

With Strenght of Atlas, you could possibly skip the Porter route. I wouldn't waste my time with Potent Aura -> Strong Aura. The boost just isn't worth it. Eat corpses that increase your mana (kobold shaman, Ogre magi, etc.) Wish for Concentration if you really want to go the caster route.

Good luck with the Farmer. I've never had a farmer win yet! :)
Tarsk
Registered user

Last page view:

4561 days, 14 hours, 14 minutes and 40 seconds ago.
Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 14:40 (GMT -5)

Thanks for the response, although I do have a few comments on that.

Speed wouldn't be too much of an issue since I have the Seven League Boots now.

I think taking the carry capacity talents would be a waste, because even if I remove the girdle of carrying, I'll still be at low level Burdened. I just keep it on for convenience.

The whole purpose of getting "--> Quick --> Good Shot --> Keen Shot --> Quick Shot --> Lightning Shot" is to get the last two for the energy cost reduction for missile weapons. I believe this lets you shoot more in a shorter amount of time, but I don't think that's exactly how to put it. It also doesn't come with the cost of less EXP.

I don't know if sling bullets can have the 'of slaying' suffix, but I believe Darren suggested Bows just because it has a wider range of slaying ammo, while slings only really have one.

The whole purpose of taking "--> Careful --> Potent Aura --> Strong Aura --> Good Book Caster --> Great Book Caster" is to get the last two which greatly reduces the PP cost of book casting. Noticed farmers have trouble reading books, even with higher learning than most of my semi-casters at this stage (never really go into Darkforge this early before and get the Crown of Science). Potent Aura and Strong Aura are the prerequisites, so they are necessary if I want the book casting talents.

And thanks for the encouragement, although I think I kind of doomed myself recently:
After clearing out a Golem vault, I found a [+0, +3] cap to replace the [+0, +1] I have. However, the one I have is cursed and I don't have any scrolls of uncursing ( don't know why, this character just can't find them ) and only 1 potion of holy water left, which I wanted to save for emergencies. So I dropped all my stuff except for the helm and a few artifacts in preparation for the scroll of item destruction. Then I found out it was a scroll of item detection, was tired and I couldn't see the difference. So I picked everything back up with the ';' command holding 'y'. Well, turns out I forgot that I removed my Thick Gauntlets in preparation for the scroll, and I had Poison hands. So now I'm left with about 70 potions of poison ( included a PoCC ), and all my food cursed. Kind of debating now on whether to deal with it or just go and try to farm some water and scrolls of uncursing.
Darren Grey
Registered user

Last page view:

4211 days, 2 hours, 11 minutes and 23 seconds ago.
Posted on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 12:22 (GMT -5)

Just carry on, it's not a big issue. You'll find lovely new potions, and food really isn't a problem in the game.

You won't find enough books to justify a lot of book-casting, and without Concentration you'll not restore PP enough to justify casting spells often anyway. Missile line produces some very strong results, and since Farmers are blessed with Archery it's very much worth building your whle character around this.
Waldenbrook, the dwarven shopkeeper, mumbles: "I'd offer 9 gold pieces for yer dwarven child corpse."
Guest
Unregistered user
Posted on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 15:40 (GMT -5)

I like what Darren had to say. Just carry on... It's really not a big deal. You can do it. Poison hands corruption isn't a game breaker, it just makes ADOM a bit tougher. :) Don't feel bad, I've made the exact same mistake (and many others!) Also, I get rid of the Poison hands corruption ASAP, even if I have thick gloves.

Are you trying to win the game or have fun playing a different style of character? If you want to win, I would suggest skipping the book learning route and put the points somewhere else. I still think Porter -> Master Packager is a good route to take. Even with blessed Girdle of Carrying and 40+ strength AND Master Packager, I still get strained.

You can find bullets of slaying, but they are fairly rare. Certainly arrows and bolts of slaying are much more common. Typically I work up all my missle weapons (bow, crossbow and sling). You never can tell what type of ammo you will find.

Go to the ID (Infinite Dungeon) and farm water potions and scrolls.

Let us know how it goes. :)

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