YAVP : TrFE^Ru, I thought Ru was bad...

[mopl]

I don't know why but I didn't like Ru. At all. Sacrificing some power maybe... For my first Ru game, I played OpRu and tried to minimize the sacrifices, never used Apocalypse... That was awful...

  Code:

Invok: Sacrifice a Hand  |       |       |     1 |       |       |       |       |       |       ||     1
       Sacrifice Essence |       |       |     1 |     1 |     1 |       |       |       |       ||     3
       Power Leap        |       |       |       |     1 |    28 |     4 |     7 |     3 |     3 ||    46
       Reject Sacrifices |       |       |       |     1 |     4 |       |       |       |       ||     5
       Sacrifice Purity  |       |       |       |       |     1 |       |       |       |       ||     1
       Sacrifice Health  |       |       |       |       |       |     1 |       |       |       ||     1
       Sacrifice Courage |       |       |       |       |       |     1 |       |       |       ||     1

But I didn't know what the reward was ! With only two sacrifices (resists + artifice), I reached max piety, and it felt really good

  Code:

Invok: Sacrifice Artific |       |       |     1 |       |       |       |       |       |       ||     1
       Sacrifice Resista |       |       |       |     1 |       |       |       |       |       ||     1
       Power Leap        |       |       |       |     2 |     3 |     5 |     7 |     9 |     6 ||    32
       Apocalypse        |       |       |       |       |     2 |     5 |    13 |     3 |    10 ||    33
       Draw Out Power    |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |     1 |       ||     1

A really strong char overall. I really could have got more runes, but started to feel bored, and that's how I usually screw chars...

  Code:

 Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup version 0.19-a0-526-gbe2e51c (webtiles) character file.

8570555 hypermopl the Wrestler (level 27, 290/291 HPs)
             Began as a Troll Fire Elementalist on June 6, 2016.
             Was the Champion of Ru.
             Escaped with the Orb
             ... and 10 runes on June 7, 2016!
             
             The game lasted 04:31:00 (85959 turns).

hypermopl the Wrestler (Troll Fire Elementalist)   Turns: 85959, Time: 04:31:01

Health: 290/291    AC: 34    Str: 29    XL:     27
Magic:  23/23      EV: 23    Int:  7    God:    Ru [******]
Gold:   11102      SH: 28    Dex: 19    Spells: 9 memorised, 1 level left

rFire  + + .      SeeInvis +      - Unarmed
rCold  + + .      Gourm    +    s - +8 fire dragon armour
rNeg   + . .      Faith    .    l - +6 large shield {rC+ rF+}
rPois  .          Spirit   .    e - +1 hat of the Villain {rC+ Regen+}
rElec  .          Dismiss  .    R - +2 cloak {+Inv}
rCorr  .          Reflect  .    (gloves unavailable)
SustAt +          Harm     .    (boots unavailable)
MR     +++++      Clarity  +    Z - amulet of the Four Winds {rN+ MR+++ Clar}
Stlth  +.........               m - ring of Impatience {SustAt rC++ MR++, =R}
                                f - ring "Xamuteeri" {AC+3 Str+7 Int-4 SInv Stlth+}

@: repel missiles, almost entirely resistant to hostile enchantments, very
unstealthy
A: unfitting armour, claws 3, yellow scales 1, fast metabolism 3, gourmand,
regeneration 2, shaggy fur 1, tough skin 2, weak 1, inability to use devices,
temperature sensitive, sturdy frame 1
a: Draw Out Power, Power Leap, Apocalypse, Renounce Religion
0: Orb of Zot
}: 10/15 runes: decaying, slimy, silver, abyssal, demonic, glowing, magical,
fiery, dark, gossamer


You escaped.
You worshipped Ru.
Ru was exalted by your worship.
You were not hungry.

You visited 10 branches of the dungeon, and saw 57 of its levels.
You visited Pandemonium 2 times, and saw 27 of its levels.
You visited the Abyss 3 times.
You also visited: Labyrinth, Trove, Bailey, Ice Cave and Volcano.

You collected 13439 gold pieces.
You spent 2337 gold pieces at shops.

Inventory:

Hand Weapons
 b - a +9 blowgun
Missiles
 h - 5 throwing nets
 n - 52 tomahawks of returning
 t - 152 large rocks (quivered)
 G - 38 needles of confusion
 J - 4 needles of paralysis
 K - 26 curare-tipped needles
 M - 15 javelins of penetration
 O - 210 poisoned needles
 S - 7 poisoned tomahawks
 V - 42 tomahawks
Armour
 e - the +1 hat of the Villain (worn) {rC+ Regen+}
   (You acquired it on level 3 of the Spider Nest)   
   
   It protects you from cold.
   It increases your rate of regeneration.
 l - a +6 large shield of resistance (worn)
 s - a +8 fire dragon armour (worn)
 A - a +0 gold dragon armour
 R - a +2 cloak of invisibility (worn)
Jewellery
 a - the ring "Haizufec" {rCorr rF+ Str+4 Dex-3}
   (You found it in a treasure trove)   
   
   [ring of resist corrosion]
   
   It affects your strength (+4).
   It affects your dexterity (-3).
   It protects you from fire.
 d - the amulet "Hoynawyf" {Harm *Drain rF+ rC+ Str+4}
   (You found it in a treasure trove)   
   
   [amulet of harm]
   
   It increases damage dealt and taken.
   It affects your strength (+4).
   It protects you from fire.
   It protects you from cold.
 f - the ring "Xamuteeri" (left claw) {AC+3 Str+7 Int-4 SInv Stlth+}
   (You found it in a treasure trove)   
   
   [ring of protection]
   
   It affects your AC (+3).
   It affects your strength (+7).
   It affects your intelligence (-4).
   It lets you see invisible.
   It makes you more stealthy.
 i - the ring of Xun Nic {rElec rC+ AC+3}
   (You found it in a treasure trove)   
   
   [ring of protection]
   
   It affects your AC (+3).
   It protects you from cold.
   It insulates you from electricity.
 m - the ring of Impatience (right claw) {SustAt rC++ MR++, =R}
   (You took it off a rakshasa on level 2 of the Depths)   
   
   [ring of sustain attributes]
   
   It sustains your strength, intelligence and dexterity.
   It greatly protects you from cold.
   It affects your resistance to hostile enchantments.
 w - the ring "Jeudodey" {rPois Str+4 SInv}
   (You took it off a fire giant on level 2 of the Depths)   
   
   [ring of see invisible]
   
   It affects your strength (+4).
   It protects you from poison.
   It lets you see invisible.
 y - a +5 amulet of reflection
 B - the ring of Xom's Wantonness {rF+ AC+2 Str+3}
   (You found it in Pandemonium)   
   
   [ring of protection]
   
   It affects your AC (+2).
   It affects your strength (+3).
   It protects you from fire.
 W - the amulet of Vitality {Regen+ HP+15}
   (You took it off a deep elf death mage on level 3 of the Elven Halls)   
   
   [amulet of regeneration]
   
   It affects your health (+15).
   It increases your rate of regeneration.
 Z - the amulet of the Four Winds (around neck) {rN+ MR+++ Clar}
   (You took it off a tengu reaver on level 4 of the Vaults)   
   
   [amulet of nothing]
   
   It protects you from negative energy.
   It affects your resistance to hostile enchantments.
   It protects you against confusion.
Scrolls
 g - 28 scrolls of teleportation
 p - 6 scrolls of blinking
 q - 5 scrolls of silence {!r}
 r - 15 scrolls of fog
 x - 24 scrolls of remove curse
 C - 17 scrolls of identify
 E - 5 scrolls of fear
 F - 2 scrolls of summoning
 P - 4 scrolls of magic mapping
 X - 2 scrolls of holy word
Potions
 j - 12 potions of flight
 k - 6 potions of ambrosia
 o - 24 potions of curing
 u - 5 potions of haste
 v - 2 potions of cure mutation {!q}
 z - 4 potions of berserk rage {!q}
 D - 5 potions of cancellation
 I - 2 potions of resistance
 N - 7 potions of might
 Q - 6 potions of agility
 T - 11 potions of heal wounds
 U - a potion of invisibility
 Y - 11 potions of lignification {!q}
Comestibles
 c - 22 bread rations
 L - 20 meat rations


   Skills:
 + Level 19.9 Fighting
 - Level 26.0 Throwing
 + Level 14.7 Armour
 + Level 20.0 Dodging
 + Level 4.7 Stealth
 - Level 15.0 Shields
 - Level 26.0 Unarmed Combat
 - Level 1.2 Spellcasting
   Level 0.6 Conjurations
 - Level 5.0 Charms
 - Level 10.1 Translocations
   Level 2.1 Fire Magic
 - Level 5.0 Air Magic


You had one spell level left.
You knew the following spells:

 Your Spells              Type           Power        Failure   Level  Hunger
a - Apportation           Tloc           ##........   1%          1    ##.....
e - Blink                 Tloc           N/A          1%          2    ###....
f - Portal Projectile     Tloc           ##....       3%          3    ####...
i - Repel Missiles        Chrm/Air       #.....       14%         2    ###....
k - Lee's Rapid Deconstr  Erth           #.........   100%        5    ######.
n - Swiftness             Chrm/Air       #.......     14%         2    ###....
p - Passwall              Tmut/Erth      #.........   90%         2    ###....
r - Regeneration          Chrm/Necr      #.........   77%         3    ####...
D - Dragon Form           Tmut           #.........   100%        7    #######


Dungeon Overview and Level Annotations

Branches:
Dungeon (15/15)            Temple (0/1) D:6            Lair (8/8) D:11
  Swamp (4/4) Lair:6       Spider (4/4) Lair:3        Slime (6/6) Lair:7
    Orc (2/2) D:11            Elf (3/3) Orc:2        Vaults (5/5) D:13
  Crypt (0/3) Vaults:2     Depths (5/5) D:15            Zot (5/5) Depths:5

Altars:
Ashenzari
Cheibriados
Dithmenos
Elyvilon
Gozag
Hepliaklqana
Kikubaaqudgha
Makhleb
Nemelex Xobeh
Ru
Sif Muna
Trog
Uskayaw
Vehumet
Xom
The Shining One
Jiyva
Lugonu

Shops:
D:11 [   D:15 :   Orc:2 ([*:%   Elf:1 (   Vaults:1 (*(   Vaults:3 *
Depths:1 }   Depths:4 }

Portals:
Hell: Depths:1 Depths:2 Depths:3 Depths:4 Depths:5
Abyss: Depths:1 Depths:4
Pandemonium: Depths:3 Depths:4 Depths:5
Ziggurat: Depths:3

Annotations:
Swamp:3 Louise
Elf:2 5 runed doors
Depths:2 rC shield


Innate Abilities, Weirdness & Mutations

You are too large for most types of armour.
You have claws for hands.
Your metabolism is lightning-fast.
You like to eat raw meat.
You heal very quickly.
You are covered in fur. (AC +1)
You have very tough skin. (AC +2)
You cannot study or use magical devices.
You are sensitive to extremes of temperature. (rF-, rC-)
You are partially covered in yellow scales. (AC +2)
You are weak. (Str -2)
Your movements are slightly less encumbered by armour. (ER -2)


Message History

No target in view!
A lorocyproca comes into view.
The lorocyproca gives a chilling moan.
You block the lorocyproca's attack.
You eviscerate the lorocyproca!!!
The lorocyproca is heavily wounded.
You block the lorocyproca's attack.
You scratch the lorocyproca but do no damage.
The lorocyproca is heavily wounded.
You eviscerate the lorocyproca!!!
You kill the lorocyproca!
No target in view!
(D) Dungeon        (T) Temple         (L) Lair           (S) Swamp         
(N) Spider Nest    (M) Slime Pits     (O) Orcish Mines   (E) Elven Halls   
(V) Vaults         (C) Crypt          (U) Depths         (H) Hell           
(Z) Zot           
Where to? (Enter - D:1 @ (x,y), ? - help)
A cherub comes into view. It is wielding a scimitar of flaming.
There is a staircase leading out of the dungeon here.
You have escaped!

####...####
#....A....#
#.......>.#
#.........#
####...####
   #...#
####...####
#.........#
#.⌠..@..⌠.#
#.........#
###########


You could see a cherub.

[4Hooves2Appendages]

Nice! I found Ru to be quite strong. An early altar can make a huge difference.

I've seen a few cases of players taking lots of small sacrifices, but that doesn't seem like a good idea. Get the piety up early to get help when it's most needed: early!

[robbcorp]

Nice! I found Ru to be quite strong. An early altar can make a huge difference.

I've seen a few cases of players taking lots of small sacrifices, but that doesn't seem like a good idea. Get the piety up early to get help when it's most needed: early!

It's not a good idea to take a bunch of little sacrifices. In you basically have a laundry list of 'mutations' that suck. Like the one where even friendly allies attack you. Go big, Ru will take care of the rest.

[Siegurt]

Nice! I found Ru to be quite strong. An early altar can make a huge difference.

I've seen a few cases of players taking lots of small sacrifices, but that doesn't seem like a good idea. Get the piety up early to get help when it's most needed: early!

It's not a good idea to take a bunch of little sacrifices. In you basically have a laundry list of 'mutations' that suck. Like the one where even friendly allies attack you. Go big, Ru will take care of the rest.

Sac love (the one where allies attack you) is actually a medium to larger sacrifice iirc. But i do agree with the sentiment, i also prefer having a few specific larger sacrifices to keep in mind and work around, than a litany of smaller weaknesses that impact every situation somewhat.

[robbcorp]

Nice! I found Ru to be quite strong. An early altar can make a huge difference.

I've seen a few cases of players taking lots of small sacrifices, but that doesn't seem like a good idea. Get the piety up early to get help when it's most needed: early!

It's not a good idea to take a bunch of little sacrifices. In you basically have a laundry list of 'mutations' that suck. Like the one where even friendly allies attack you. Go big, Ru will take care of the rest.

Sac love (the one where allies attack you) is actually a medium to larger sacrifice iirc. But i do agree with the sentiment, i also prefer having a few specific larger sacrifices to keep in mind and work around, than a litany of smaller weaknesses that impact every situation somewhat.

I probably took it too late

I believe now (or maybe it was true i previous crawl versions) the game tells you your piety score for each sac....thats handy.

[Hands]

I've only played one game with Ru, so there's a good chance I don't know what I'm talking about (though I did win, for whatever that's worth), but I wouldn't personally sac artifice again if I was playing to win. Evocables are just too good. Ru's powers are strong but they're not as strong as all the things you can do with evocations in a typical game.

Also, Ru does not play well with transparent walls. You can wait and watch monsters attack each other (at least in 0.17.1). This leads to pretty degenerate play if you're willing to exploit it.

[4Hooves2Appendages]

I would agree that artifice is the biggest sacrifice. It's definitely fine for a 3-rune game. For longer games the player then needs to find alternatives. Heal wounds is kinda covered by draw out power. Haste can be trained as spell. Elemental evokers are strong, but apocalypse and leap kinda make up for that. The only thing I'd really worry about is running out of tele. Getting cblink castable is usually prohibitive.

[Hands]

I would agree that artifice is the biggest sacrifice. It's definitely fine for a 3-rune game. For longer games the player then needs to find alternatives. Heal wounds is kinda covered by draw out power. Haste can be trained as spell. Elemental evokers are strong, but apocalypse and leap kinda make up for that. The only thing I'd really worry about is running out of tele. Getting cblink castable is usually prohibitive.

You also have all the random evocable abilities on rings and assorted artifacts. For example, in my game I found cloak of the thief. I feel like Ru's powers almost but not quite make up for the loss of evocations, but then you have to make another sacrifice to get all Ru's powers anyway. The game is still very winnable but it seems to me like a bad trade overall.