cjh (09/16/82)
So far as I have seen, a staff of cancellation is effectively useless against Umber Hulks, since a U can confuse you only if it surprises you--- unlike other special-power monsters (for whom the special attack is simply an "excellent hit" in combat) a U can't use its confusing gaze if you land the first blow. So since cancellation doesn't unconfuse you (any more than cancelling (for instance) a wraith will restore your lost level). A ring of protection takes away a monster's chance to hit you with anything, just as a bless-weapon scroll increases your chance of making any sort of hit with the weapon.