tron@fluke.UUCP (10/12/84)
How to identify various magic without the identify scrolls; Staves & wands - we all know that any identify scroll will identify a wand or staff, I commanly will use any identify scroll for this rather than for that scroll's intended function, I almost never use an 'identify ring..' scroll on a stick. It's also possible to identify sticks by using them, just don't wield them they may be cursed. Rings, armor - just put these on (make sure you've got a remove curse) armor of curse just tells you its values, with rings you have to guess look for regeneration (easy to spot) or maintain strength or armor many rings (increase protection, strength) are difficult to identify with this technique. Remember if a ring is cursed (you can't remove it without reading remoe cures scroll) it is of no value. I have used a remove curse scroll to remove the curses on two rings, armor, and a weapon simultaneously. Scrolls - I routinely read scrolls to identify them (until abut level 15, then I'm more careful). I do use a few optimization techniques; until I've identified 'scare monster' I always drag a monster across it before picking it up (I may move on to it prior to this to see if it duplicates something in my pack), when reading an unknown scroll I make sure I'm wearing my best armor and weilding my best weapon. I don't usually read any scrolls until level 8 or 9. (It's nice to read that 'rustoleum' before encountering aquators). Potions - I wait until I have several and then just start quaffing, I hope that if I quaff blindness I'll have a healing, and if I quaff hallucination I'll have a poison. If I'm blinded and can't cure it I usually go into a hall and rest it out. I continue to play if hallucinating but am extremely careful of everything. Peter Barbee