Showdown at IWD Corral: Slings Vs. Darts

[ister]

Originally posted by Dundee Slaytern: Daggers and Axes do.

Hmmm. Makes me wonder if throwing daggers aren't better weapons than slings.

Non-fighter with strength 18 (powergaming of course)
+1 Sling with +1 bullets:
Apr = 1
TH bonus: +2 (+ dexterity etc)
Damage = 2-5 +2 for strength +1 for the bullet, +1 for the sling for 6-9.
Damage per round = (hit prob + 10%) * 7.5

Normal Daggers (lord knows there aren't too many magical one)
Apr = 2
TH bonus: 0 (+ dexterity etc)
Damage = 1-4 + 2 for strength = 3-7
Damage per round = (hit prob)*2*5 = (hit prob)* 10

If your unmodified to hit roll is 14 or less the daggers are better.

Level 7 fighter with 3 stars, 18/76 strength
+1 sling with +1 bullets
Apr = 2
TH bonus = +2 (+dexterity etc.)
Damage = 2-5 +4 strength +1 bullet +1 sling + 3 proficiency for 11-14.
Damage per round = (hit prob+10%) * 2 * 12.5 = (hit prob+10%) * 25

Level 7 fighter with 3 stars, 18/76 strength
throwing daggers
Apr = 3
TH bonus = 0 (+dexterity etc.)
Damage = 1-4 +4 strength + 3 proficiency for 8-11.
Damage per round = (hit prob) * 3 * 9.5 = (hit prob) * 28.5

Again if unadjusted to hit roll is 6 or less the daggers are better.

Level 13 fighter with 3 stars in slings, 18/76 strength
Apr = 2.5
TH bonus = +2 (+dexterity etc.)
Damage = 2-5 +4 strength +1 bullet +1 sling + 3 proficiency for 11-14.
Damage per round = (hit prob+10%) * 2.5 * 12.5 = (hit prob+10%) * 31.25

Level 13 fighter with 5 stars in daggers, 18/76 strength
Apr = 3.5 (I think this is the cap, right? Otherwise this guy gets 4.5 apr)
TH bonus = +2 (+dexterity etc.)
Damage = 2-5 +4 strength +5 proficiency for 11-14.
Damage per round = (hit prob+10%) * 3.5 * 12.5 = (hit prob) * 43.75

If unadjusted to hit is 15 or less the daggers are better.


So I think the sling is better overall, as you really care more about doing damage to things that are hard to hit. But this conclusion relies on my understanding the cap on apr correctly - if the dagger grand master really gets the 4.5 apr he's entitled to, he blows away the slinger.

[Aerich]

With the sling, you also combine the plusses of the sling and the ammo - you could be looking at +6/+6. You don't get a returning throwing dagger until quite late in the game, so I would be reluctant to rely on daggers for my sole missile weapon for any character.

[Klorox]

Originally posted by Azred: A bow or crossbow can...if you create one that way.

A Bow can, a Crossbow can not, as it relies completely upon the mechanism, not the strength of the user.

[Azred]

In the normal physical world I completely agree. However, within the context of this game's engine other results are possible. [img]graemlins/beigesmilewinkgrin.gif[/img] Besides, you can always just claim that the crossbow is magically enhanced to have a certain effect, including adding in the wielder's strength bonus.

[Klorox]

Yeah, except that there are not crossbows in AD&D, or any CRPGs that I know of that increase damage based on the users STR.

Unless you're going to cheat, of course.

[robertthebard]

I believe there are darts of stunning, some poison darts in game. But I think the overall best use for darts would be the stunning variety, in sneak attacks. Whether you dual the rogue or not, a stunned opponent is easy pickings.