The Blacksmith

[Sythion]

Has almost all stupid crap, and the preservation badge is the only option for any character except fireball slingers who are better off just not spending the money on the loadout.

Discuss.

[The Avatar]

The bear mace can be good for The Indomitable, and the RBS is a good choice from time to time. The sword is a crappy oversized spoon, and the shield is good at level 1 and then becomes conversion fodder.

[Darvin]

The badge is by far his best item. Don't under-estimate the shield for assassins or rogues. One of the big problems you'll find at lower levels is that the monster you want to fight will just barely 1-hit you. The shield allows you to survive and squeek out that kill, and then you convert it around level 3 or 4. The really big sword also has its uses. Against bosses with physical resistance of 50% or above it can actually be a very powerful tool and you can always convert it at a later point.

As Avatar mentions, the Bear Mace is a useful item in some circumstances. The actual amount of damage it deals is inconsequential, but you can use it to move monsters and bust through walls and take out layers of death protection.

The only item that's just plain bad is the sword. It's okay at the lowest levels, but it's thoroughly outclassed by the shield and goes obsolete around the same time. Just not worth prepping.

[Sythion]

Aside from some hedge cases, this is a non-choice shop, which is bad for the game.

I would like to see all items moved to small item slot, except really big sword, which loses its slowstrike penelty. (it's too harsh a penelty to try and break a boss with physical).

Would love to see monster whistle go away. Maybe we could have an item that gives a one time 50% experience boost, similar to IMAWAL.

Would love to see

[Sythion]

Also...
Would love to see

[Darvin]

[The Avatar]

I dunno, Orc Rogues with various swords are great...

But yeah, the monster whistle is officially the worst item in the game. Not even close.

[Darvin]

[The Avatar]

I suppose that's true, so I guess you make the sword +3? Then it's sword (+3), Fine Sword (+4), Skullpicker (+5).

[Halion]

The blacksmith items are good. They're straight forward and available early; offering new players clear preparation options while learning the basics. Several contribute to various builds even well into the game, as suggested in this thread.

Something doesn't have to be useful in Vicious endgame in order to be useful.